Chargers vs. Vikings: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

The Minnesota Vikings will take on the San Diego Chargers at the Metrodome in the third game of the 2012 NFL preseason for both teams.

While it is difficult to learn anything concrete about a team during the preseason, the third game is usually when teams leave their starters on the field for a few extra series and try to show their true potential.

The Chargers are 2-0 in their first two exhibition outings, and the Vikings are 1-1. Both teams have talent, and both have many questions to answer heading into the regular season. 

An impressive performance from the starters in this game will help the head coaches rest a little easier. Here is everything you need to know about the matchup.

Where: Mall of America Field, Minneapolis, Minn.

When: Friday, August 24, 8 p.m. ET

Watch: CBS KFMB (San Diego), NBC KARE (Minnesota) 

Live Stream: NFL Preseason Live, NFL Red Zone

Listen: NFL Audio Pass, FM 105.3 and Sirius 139 (San Diego), FM 100.3 and Sirius 113 (Minnesota)

Betting Line:  Minnesota Vikings -3 (courtesy of Bovada)

What’s At Stake?

The importance of the game itself is negligible, but the internal battles between players fighting for a roster spot are the story of every preseason game. Many players who see the field during these exhibition games are trying to make the team the hard way—by blocking, tackling and making plays on special teams.

With it being the third preseason game, there is a chance that the starters could see more of the field, and the guys lower on the depth chart will have less opportunities to stand out.

Chargers Key Injuries (via CBSSports.com) 

WR Vincent Brown—Ankle—OUT

WR Eddie Royal—Leg, Groin—QST

RB Ryan Mathews—Shoulder—OUT

WR Robert Meachem—KNEE—PRB for season opener

Vikings Key Injuries (via CBSSports.com) 

RB Adrian Peterson—Knee—OUT

DB Chris Cook—Head—QST

DL Letroy Guion—Knee—QST

TE Kyle Rudolph—Head—QST

WR Greg Childs—Knees—OUT

TE John Carlson—Knee—OUT

What They’re Saying

It is no secret that the Vikings’ success this season depends heavily on the health of Adrian Peterson, who had surgery late last season to repair an ACL tear.

Head coach Leslie Frazier is adamantly stating that the team’s decision to sit the star running back during the preseason has nothing to do with Peterson’s progress in the rehabilitation process. Frazier made the following statement via CBS Sports:

"

There are no setbacks. That's not the reason we're doing it. We just feel like more time with him in practice with some of the things that we're doing and the progression of getting him ready for the season, it's the right thing to do.

"

Chargers Player to Watch: Antonio Gates

Gates had been considered the NFL’s best tight end for several seasons, but monster years from the New Orleans Saints’ Jimmy Graham and the New England Patriots' Rob Gronkowski have called this in into question.

With the starters getting more reps in this game, it may be the first time fans get to see how Gates, 32, will perform this season.

Vincent Jackson left in free agency, and Vincent Brown is set to miss significant time with a broken ankle. Quarterback Philip Rivers could be throwing to Gates as often as he ever has this season.

Vikings Player to Watch: Christian Ponder

If the Vikings hope to be a playoff-caliber team, Ponder will need to make plays. He would do well to gain some confidence with an impressive performance in what will likely be the team’s most competitive preseason game.

Ponder will be heading into his sophomore campaign, and if Peterson is not able to dominate this season like he has throughout his career, there will be even more pressure on the young quarterback in 2012. 

Prediction: Vikings 24, Chargers 14 

Ponder will be looking to prove himself, while the running backs who see the field will be looking to show that they can help Peterson carry the load.  Minnesota has more to play for in this game, and it will get the win.