The set-up: The 1-1 San Diego Chargers visit the 2-0 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon (FOX will air the game). The Chargers opened the preseason with 27-10 los at Tennessee, allowing 288 rushing yards (8.7 YPC) to the Titans but rebounded with a solid 19-3 home win over the Cardinals in Week 2. The defense played very well last week, holding Arizona to just 209 total yards (12 FDs) and forced two takeaways. As for Minnesota, the Vikings have continued their preseason mastery under Mike Zimmer, winning on the road vs. 2015 playoff teams Cincinnati (17-16) and Seattle (18-11). These two teams met early in the 2015 season (in Week 3 at Minnesota) with the Vikings winning easily, 31-14.

The pick: The third preseason game is traditionally considered a dress rehearsal for the regular season and adding to that, the Vikings will christen the team's brand-new facility, U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota's offense has done little so far (274 & 258 total yards) and Adrian Peterson will again sit out (he ran for 126 yards in last year's regular season meeting). Without A.P., the Vikings' offense loses the play-fake opportunities and with the starters not around for the second half, that just may take its toll. Yes, the Chargers did not score an offensive TD in their Week win over the Cardinals but it's also true that Rivers did not play at all. He was 2 of 3 for 64 yards and a TD in his lone action against the Titans in Week 1. He'll play a quarter or more here and while there should be some energy in the crowd at the start of the game (for the new stadium), I believe that Mike Zimmer's nearly impeccable preseason record (10-1 SU & 9-2 ATS) will take a ‘hit!' San Diego is a 10* play.