Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans Picks and Predictions September 22nd 2024

The Texans are favored on the road in their week three matchup against the Vikings. The Texans’ money line is -139, and they are -2.5 point favorites. This non-conference game is being televised on CBS, with the Vikings’ money line at +116 and the over/under line set at 45.5 points.

Houston vs. Minnesota Key Information

The Texans are now 2-0 after their 19-13 win over the Bears. Houston led 16-10 at halftime and held on in the 2nd half for the win. Even though they didn’t cover the spread, they are still undefeated. The Texans’ record against the spread is 2-0. The combined 32 points was less than the over/under of 45.5 points.In the 4th quarter, the Texans added a field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn. The Bears added a late touchdown and a two-point conversion with 2:56 remaining in the 4th. Houston put the game away with a touchdown with 1:37 left in the 4th. This was a non-conference matchup for the Texans.

In their 19-13 win over the Bears, the Texans’ offense struggled on third down, converting just 28.6% of their chances. They finished with 15 first downs and 235 yards passing on 36 attempts. Houston’s running game was limited to 75 yards on 22 attempts and their offensive line allowed three sacks.C.J. Stroud, filling in at quarterback, threw for 260 yards, completing 63% of his passes and finishing with a passer rating of 94. He connected with Nico Collins for 135 yards and a touchdown, with Collins leading the team in receiving. Cam Akers was the top rusher with 32 yards on seven carries.

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Houston’s defense was dominant in their 19-13 win over the Bears, allowing just 134 passing yards and forcing seven sacks. The Texans’ secondary also came away with two interceptions and limited Chicago to a 62.2% completion percentage. Despite the Bears attempting 38 passes, the Texans held them to only 71 rushing yards on 22 attempts.

On third downs, the Texans allowed the Bears to convert just 35.3% of their chances. Houston also had seven quarterback hits and held Chicago to only 3.6 yards per passing attempt.

The Vikings are now 2-0 after their 23-17 win over the 49ers. Minnesota took an early 3-0 lead and added a touchdown in the 2nd quarter when Sam Darnold connected with Justin Jefferson. Even though the 49ers also scored in the 2nd quarter, the Vikings added a field goal just before halftime to make it 20-7 in their favor. The 49ers made it a bit interesting in the 4th quarter, but the Vikings managed to hold on for the win.In the 3rd quarter, Darnold found Jalen Nailor for another touchdown. This was a big win for the Vikings, as they were +4 point underdogs heading into the game. The combined 40 points was just short of the over/under line of 46.5 points.

The Vikings’ offense is coming off a game in which they had to deal with four sacks, despite coming out with a 23-17 win over the 49ers. Minnesota’s offense finished with 146 rushing yards on 24 attempts and 257 passing yards on 26 attempts. Sam Darnold threw for 268 yards, completing 17 of 26 passes, with two touchdowns and one interception.

Justin Jefferson had a big game, catching four passes for 133 yards and a touchdown, including a 97-yard reception. On the ground, Ty Chandler led the team with 82 yards, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt and breaking off a 25-yard run.

In their 23-17 win over the 49ers, the Vikings’ defense forced six sacks and held San Francisco to just a 20% conversion rate on third down. Despite this, the 49ers still managed to put up 399 yards of total offense. The Vikings’ run defense allowed 102 yards on 25 attempts (4.1 per attempt), and in the passing game, they gave up 297 yards on 28 completions, with one touchdown allowed and one interception.Minnesota’s defense also excelled in pressuring the quarterback, winning both the QB hit and tackles for loss differentials in this game. The 49ers had a high completion percentage of 77.8%, but the Vikings’ pass rush and ability to disrupt the passing game were key factors in their defensive performance.

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Vikings to cover as home underdogs in their matchup against the Texans. The point spread currently has the Vikings at +2.5, and we have them winning and covering at 26-22.

For the over/under, with the line sitting at 45.5 points, we like the over, projecting a combined score of 48 points.

Texans, Vikings Clash in Battle of Unbeaten Teams Amid Injury Concerns

Two undefeated teams, the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings, are set to face off this Sunday in Minneapolis, but both may be missing key players due to injury. Despite these challenges, the game promises to be a competitive showdown between two hot teams looking to continue their perfect starts.

Texans Leaning on C.J. Stroud’s Versatility

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown early in the season that he’s capable of adapting and making plays in and out of the pocket. The rookie quarterback has impressed with his ability to scramble when necessary, something he feels is a strength of his game.

“I like to stay in the pocket and deliver throws – that’s what I want to do,” Stroud said. “But at the same time, I feel like I am elite at scrambling and I can do it. I’ve put it on film. … I just try to make a play and have fun out there.”

Stroud has helped lead the Texans (2-0) to a perfect start, but they may need to improvise in their game plan for this matchup. Several key offensive players are dealing with injuries. Star running back Joe Mixon (ankle), wide receiver Nico Collins (hip/foot), and running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) are among the players who did not practice on Wednesday. Center Juice Scruggs (groin) also missed practice, and backup tight end Brevin Jordan (knee) was placed on injured reserve.

Stroud has posted a 104.7 passer rating through two games, throwing for 494 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. His ability to adapt, along with the Texans’ depth, will be crucial if their top playmakers are unavailable.

Vikings Also Dealing with Injuries to Stars

The Minnesota Vikings (2-0) are also managing injuries to key contributors ahead of Sunday’s game. Star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is dealing with a quadriceps injury he suffered last week against the San Francisco 49ers. Jefferson was limited in practice on Wednesday, and his availability for Sunday is uncertain.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell remains hopeful Jefferson will be ready to go, saying, “Hoping to get him a little bit more work throughout the week as we progress forward. I know Justin is very much looking forward to getting an opportunity to play.”

In addition to Jefferson, the Vikings are monitoring injuries to running back Aaron Jones (hip) and wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle), the latter of whom missed last week’s game and didn’t practice on Wednesday. The Vikings also have concerns on defense, with outside linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (foot) and his backup, Dallas Turner (knee), also limited or out.

Stroud and Darnold Duel Under Center

Sunday’s game will feature a matchup between two quarterbacks who have been performing at a high level. Texans QB C.J. Stroud has been efficient and turnover-free through two weeks, guiding Houston to victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has also impressed in his first season with Minnesota, posting a 111.7 passer rating with 476 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Darnold will look to continue his strong start, but his job could be more challenging if Jefferson and Addison are unavailable or limited. The Vikings’ passing game is a key component of their success, and missing both wide receivers would put extra pressure on Darnold and the rest of the offense.

Former Vikings Star Danielle Hunter Leads Texans Defense

One of the storylines heading into this game is the return of Texans pass rusher Danielle Hunter to Minnesota. Hunter, who spent eight seasons with the Vikings before signing with Houston, has already made an impact with his new team. In his first two games, Hunter has recorded 1.5 sacks and is expected to play a pivotal role in pressuring Sam Darnold.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans understands the added motivation Hunter will have when facing his former team.

“Everybody is hyped up to play against their old team,” Ryans said. “I speak from experience. (It happened) when I was with the Eagles and we came into Houston. It doesn’t change.”

Cam Akers Looking for Bigger Role

Another player looking to make an impact is Texans running back Cam Akers, who previously spent time with the Vikings. Akers could be in line for more playing time if Mixon is unable to play due to an ankle injury. Akers expressed his readiness to step up.

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“I’m ready,” Akers said. “You don’t have to get ready when you stay ready. I’ve been preparing for this moment, and I’m ready for it.”

Akers could play a key role in the Texans’ offensive game plan, particularly if Houston looks to control the game on the ground.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Texans’ Pass Rush vs. Vikings Offensive Line: Danielle Hunter will look to apply pressure on Sam Darnold, particularly with Minnesota dealing with multiple injuries on the offensive line. If Hunter can get to Darnold, it could disrupt the Vikings’ rhythm and limit their offensive production.
2. C.J. Stroud vs. Vikings’ Secondary: With Stroud off to a hot start, the Vikings’ defense will need to contain the Texans’ young quarterback. If Minnesota’s secondary can slow down Stroud, it may force Houston to rely more on their injury-riddled running game.
3. Texans’ Running Game Without Mixon: If Joe Mixon is sidelined, how effective will Cam Akers and the Texans’ rushing attack be against a Vikings defense that will aim to stop Stroud from creating plays through the air?

Final Thoughts

Both the Texans and Vikings come into this matchup looking to preserve their undefeated records, but injuries to key players could significantly impact the outcome. C.J. Stroud has shown poise early in the season, and if he can continue to avoid turnovers, Houston has a good chance to compete in what is expected to be a close game.

For Minnesota, the availability of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison could determine how effective Sam Darnold is in the passing game. If Darnold is left without his top receiving weapons, the Vikings may have to rely more heavily on their running game and defense to secure the win.

In a game between two teams dealing with injuries but filled with potential, the outcome could hinge on which team adjusts better to the missing pieces in their lineup.