NFL Game of the Week: Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings

Week 3 is here and with it comes a big matchup between two undefeated teams that are looking to make themselves known as a contender this season.

This Sunday at 1 p.m. ET the Houston Texans will Travel to face the Minnesota Vikings in what is looking to be a deadlocked battle.

The Texans are looking like a top-10 team in the league right now with back-to-back solid performances to start the season against the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts from the team’s offense led by C.J. Stroud.

Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon have elevated Stroud’s potential to even greater heights and are looking like a really solid offensive core.

The Texans’ defense is where the team really shines, ranking third in yards allowed this season. While it has only been two weeks, additions like Danielle Hunter and Azeez Al-Shaair (who is questionable for this weekend) have made a huge impact on the pass rushing in Houston.

On the side of the home team, the Vikings have also had a phenomenal start to their season. They quickly put away the New York Giants in Week 1, followed by an upset against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.

Sam Darnold has far exceeded expectations in Minnesota, as many believed he wouldn’t be able to fill the shoes required of him in a better situation than he was on the Jets or Panthers.

Justin Jefferson has continued to be incredible for Minnesota this season as well, receiving a 97-yard TD against the 49ers last week and while he hasn’t touched the ball as much as many have hoped, this will likely change come this week.

Minnesota’s defense has seemed relatively similar to last year’s, that being a versatile scoring stopper. They currently rank third in points allowed this season.

Looking at the teams head-to-head, this looks to be as evenly matched as it can get.

Houston is going to have to have a wide range of plays if they hope to get past Minnesota’s defense, and with the roster, they have should be very possible.

Minnesota will need to keep Darnold comfortable enough against that pass rush to make the right decisions and avoid any turnovers.

There are two defining X-Factors to this game: coaching and the O-line game. Whichever team can come up with the craftiest plays and can hold their offensive line the best will come out on top this Sunday.

As for picking a winner, while Houston looks good on paper, one can’t just ignore what the Vikings were able to accomplish last week and for that, I will be going with Minnesota to come out on top.

PICK: MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Chris Vadnais is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email cmv5562@psu.edu.