5 Vikings players to watch vs. the Chargers in Week 15

Eric Kendricks – LB

Eric Kendricks is having a Pro Bowl-caliber season. He hasn’t had any huge scoring plays this year, but he makes key plays in key moments and he has brought a ton of energy to the Vikings defense this year.

Where Kendricks specifically has stood out in 2019 is in pass coverage. He has done a great job blanketing the opposing running backs and tight ends he’s been matched up against. Not only is his coverage good, but his ball skills have also been tremendous.

When balls do come his way, he’s been able to get great position on the intended target and then knock the pass away. His coverage has been better than most of the cornerbacks on Minnesota’s roster this season.

The Vikings are going to need Kendricks at his best against the Chargers on Sunday. Los Angeles has a couple of weapons that the Minnesota linebackers and safeties will have to be concerned about.

Running back Austin Ekeler is among the Chargers weapons the Vikings will have to watch out for this week. Ekeler is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Philip Rivers loves throwing him the ball, as he is explosive with it in his hands and he can pick up a lot of yardage after the catch. Ekeler can also line up on the outside and he has to be accounted for on every single snap.

The other weapon the Chargers have is tight end, Hunter Henry. He has good size and is one of the best receiving tight ends in the league. Henry will get matched up against one of Minnesota’s linebackers or safeties and that is a mismatch on paper. If Kendricks and his defensive teammates can’t cover the Los Angeles dump-off options, Rivers and his offense will have long drives that will wear the Vikings defense out and likely lead to a victory for the home team.