Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season kicks off tonight with a showdown featuring the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Los Angeles Chargers. L.A. enters as a 3-point road favorite, with an over/under of 44.5. Both of these teams are floating around .500 as we enter the midway point of the season and a win here would go a long way towards their playoff hopes
Below, we will take a look at the best DFS plays for this Thursday night showdown.
Captain’s Picks
Quentin Johnston, WR, Minnesota Vikings (FLEX $9,200, CPT $13,800)
Chargers pass-catchers have been eating through the first half of the regular season and they at least got to pad their stats a little bit in Sunday’s 38-24 loss to the Colts. Johnston in particular only caught two of six receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown in the game, now marking five trips to the end zone this season for the third-year wideout.
I don’t anticipate Justin Herbert throwing the ball 55 times like he did on Sunday, but I do anticipate Johnston getting plenty of targets and being a a go-to option for big plays. Given his consistent trips to the end zone this year, he’s a safe option to put at the very top of your lineups.
Kimani Vidal, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (FLEX $8,800, CPT $13,200)
Vidal logged just 35 yards from scrimmage in the setback against the Colts, a steep drop-off from his 124-yard rushing outburst against the Dolphins the week prior. This could most likely be chalked up to L.A. having to go pass heavy after falling into a multi-score deficit early in the contest and he still got his fair share of touches with nine carries and four receptions.
I’d bank on the Chargers wanting to get their run-game going early tonight and the possibility of Joe Alt returning could it easier to get that accomplished. I like his upside as a captain with some value for tonight’s game.
Jordan Addison (FLEX $8,400, CPT $12,600)
Minnesota’s quarterback situation is in a bit of a weird place right now with the continued absence of J.J. McCarthy forcing Carson Wentz into action. But at least he two dangerous weapons to work with in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, both of whom have been tearing it up in recent weeks. Addison in particular has been killing it since returning from his three-game suspension to start the season and pulled in nine targets for 128 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles.
The Chargers’ secondary will have their hands full trying to defend both wideouts and extra attention being paid to Jefferson opens the door for Addison to get his. That’s why I like him as a captain option with value for this game.
Value flex plays
Will Reichard, K, Minnesota Vikings (FLEX $6,600, CPT $9,900)
Most of the Vikings’ points on Sunday came from Reichard’s leg, as he went a perfect 5-5 on field goal attempts along with a made extra point. The Vikings will most likely need to rely on him on the road and the controlled environment of SoFi Stadium will present optimal conditions for him to have another strong effort.
Jalen Nailor, WR, Minnesota Vikings (FLEX $4,600, CPT $6,900)
Nailor has been a contributor to the Vikings’ offense throughout the year and caught two of four targets for 37 yards in Sunday’s loss to the Eagles. While he doesn’t draw nearly as much attention as Jefferson, Addison, or T.J. Hockenson, there is always a possibility of him getting hot and Wentz deciding to keep feeding him. Give him some consideration for your lineups.
Tre’ Harris, WR, Los Angeles Chargers (FLEX $3,200, CPT $4,800)
So many pass-catching options have emerged for the Chargers and Harris is one that is beginning to bubble to the surface. The rookie’s numbers haven’t been explosive, but he’s combined for seven targets in their last two games and has been on the field for over 40% of L.A.‘s offensive snaps in both games. It could be worth your while to buy low on Harris.
