Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings 9/22/24 – As the end-of-season clash between two unbowed rivals comes early in the season, the NFL Week 3 top prediction features a thrilling duel of the undefeated Houston Texans (2-0) vs. the Minnesota Vikings (2-0). The two teams understand the need to keep the zero in their loss column when they face off this Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the U.S. Bank Stadium. The clash scheduled for 1:00 PM ET and televised on CBS promises to be interesting as the two teams have taken a commanding lead in the league quite early in its season.
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings 9/22/24
| When: | Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | -4 (-120) | 47 over (-120) | -220 |  |
| Vikings | +4 (-120) | 47 under (-120) | +180 | |
| ||||
It's that time ⏰ pic.twitter.com/iglV4j08sk
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 19, 2024
The betting lines favor the Texans with a -4 spread, reflecting their strong start to the season. Despite the Vikings’ home advantage, the odds are tilted towards the Texans, hinting at their perceived strength over Minnesota. The over/under at 47 points suggests a moderately high-scoring affair, with both teams having displayed potent offensive capabilities in their first two games.
C.J. Stroud QB vs. Sam Darnold QB
C.J. Stroud of the Texans has quickly embraced the trenches of the NFL to the best of his ability, completing 69% of his passes for 494 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. This has undeniably been a part of the reason why Houston has performed as well as they have in the early stages of the season; for Stroud, no turnovers and passing despite contact has been emphasized. Nonetheless, he has also taken some punishment, having been sacked seven times, and this is a weakness that the Vikings’ defense will be looking to take advantage of.
On the other side, Sam Darnold for the Vikings does not lag behind Stroud in efficiency and slightly surpasses even him with a 72% passer completion rate and passes rating of 111,8. While Darnold also had 476 passing yards with four touchdowns, his two interceptions probably indicate that he is still trying to transition fully into playing without taking risks. Matching his performance will be important since he centers on a Texans team that has been excellent against the pass but only decent in other areas.
Dynamic Ground and Air Attack: Houston’s Offensive Strategy
Houston’s offense isn’t just about their aerial attack. Although running back Tank Dell is limited in attempts, he shows explosive potential every time he touches the ball. Nico Collins, a key receiver with 252 yards and a touchdown, has proven to be Stroud’s favorite target, offering a reliable option on critical downs. This balanced approach keeps defenses guessing and could be pivotal in exploiting the Vikings’ occasionally shaky coverage.
Vikings’ Offensive Playmakers: Countering with Versatility
Minnesota counters with a strong ground game led by Aaron Jones, who has garnered 126 rushing yards and a touchdown. His breaking through the line could be vital against Houston’s defensive setup. The real threat in the air comes from Justin Jefferson, who has turned his eight receptions into 192 yards and two touchdowns. His big-play capability will be crucial as the Vikings look to stretch the field and challenge the Texans’ secondary.
Trends
Houston Texans Betting Trends
Houston are 5-1 SU in their last 6 games.
Texans are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games against Minnesota.
Houston are 0-5 SU in their last 5 games against Minnesota.
Houston are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games on the road.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston’s last 6 games against an opponent in the National Football Conference conference.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games.
Minnesota are 3-6 SU in their last 9 games.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games against Houston.
Minnesota are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games at home.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota’s last 5 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings Betting Prediction
Considering both clubs’ strengths and weaknesses, both sides can be placed closer than most prognosticators would want to. The Texan offense with Stroud at the helm should have enough offensive polish to exploit the shortcomings of the Vikins’ defense and win, but Minnesota is expected to hold on to the lead and even slow the bleeding at the spread. The over on 47 seems neat because the two teams tend to be very offensive.
Regarding picks, while the Texans come across as likely winning the game, all factors considered, it would be wise to assume that the Vikings cover the +4 at home. For props, check out player yardage totals, specifically Stroud and Jefferson, who are certain to be major factors. But in the end, perhaps Houston has one more score than the other team and comfortably chips with decent odds from your premier online sportsbook.
Score Prediction: Texans 27, Vikings 24.
