The Houston Texans will battle the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday afternoon for what could be the top early slate game of Week 3.
These two potential contenders met earlier will have plenty in common after a promising offseason. After winning the AFC South for the first time in four years, the Texans bolstered both sides of the ball by adding former Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter and All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs.
Minnesota, which parted ways with Kirk Cousins in favor of Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy, actually landed several former Texans in the offseason. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard inked a four-year deal to serve as Hunter’s replacement while Texans leading tackler Blake Cashman returned to his home state.
The Vikings also signed cornerback Shaq Griffin, who started the season with Houston before being released in November.
And if that’s not enough ties between the two sides, Houston traded its 2024 first-round pick to Minnesota in exchange for two second-round picks, including a 2025 selection. That pick was used to acquire Diggs from Buffalo, who previously spent five seasons with the Vikings before being traded in 2020.
Crazy offseason leading up to kickoff, right?
Houston secured a 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday Night Football thanks to four field goals from AFC Special Teams Player of the Week Ka’imi Fairbairn. C.J. Stroud connected with Nico Collins eight times for an NFL-leading 135 yards and a touchdown.
The Vikings dominated against the reigning NFC champions San Francisco in a 23-17 win. Please don’t let the score fool you since Minnesota jumped out to a 20-7 lead entering the fourth quarter.
All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson, who suffered a calf injury last week, will play in Sunday’s contest. And while the Vikings will be without stars Jordan Addison and Dallas Turner, the Texans will be without Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce.
The Texans are a 2.5-point road favorite against the Vikings, per BetMGM. It’s a slight surprise since Houston is 0-for-2 against the spread to begin the year.
Will Houston set a standard and remain undefeated? Will the Vikings become the team people must discuss heading into Week 4?
Who wins on Sunday?
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