Texans vs. Vikings Point Spread: NFL Week 3 Odds, Prediction
The 2-0 Minnesota Vikings have put the NFL on notice, but face another big test in Week 3 when the undefeated Houston Texans stroll into town. Most pundits had the surging Texans 2-0 to start the 2024 NFL season, while you wouldn’t be hard-pressed to find a bunch who pegged the Vikings at 0-2. Instead, both Houston and Minnesota enter Week 3 earning a ton of praise but hesitations still lie with the latter.
After all, Sam Darnold is quarterbacking the Vikings and his top pass-catcher, Justin Jefferson, is banged up. But for those who really know ball, most if not all of Minnesota’s success so far should be credited to D-coordinator Brian Flores. Just ask Brock Purdy, who told Flores quote — unquote “Your scheme is crazy.” What does the defensive guru have in store for Houston?
Kickoff at U.S. Bank Stadium starts at 1 p.m. EDT with the Texans a slight -130 moneyline favourite on the road and the total at 46 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
With 23 points allowed through two outings, Minnesota comes into Week 3 second in the NFL in points allowed. The Vikings are therefore 2-0 to the under, and also 2-0 against the spread. Minnesota was just a home underdog last week, and are pegged as pups again this go around. Home dogs… they never learn, hey?
But back to the total, Houston’s plans to crash Minnesota’s party could bode well for another under. The Texans started their season on the road and rushed the ball 40 times for 213 yards. The continued ground success chewed clock, but didn’t lead to an under for Houston as they won 29-27. Although if not for two 50-plus yard TDs against, Houston would also be 2-0 to the under. The explosive play is a good segway into Minnesota’s game; Darnold and Jefferson connected for a 97-yard score last week — a threat Houston should be extra cautious of.
Houston Texans
Nico Collins is the number one. And no just not in Houston, but right now in the NFL. Collins’ 252 receiving yards through two games leads the entire league and he’s getting it done on the scoreboard too after registering Houston’s lone touchdown in Week 2. Houston pivoted more toward the passing game in Week 2, especially once running back Joe Mixon exited with an ankle injury. Mixon did not practice Wednesday, but head coach DeMeco Ryans is ‘holding out hope’ Mixon straps up against the Vikings.
On the other side of the ball, Houston’s pass rush is finding its stride. The defence combined for seven sacks during the 19-13 Sunday Night Football win versus Chicago. 2023 third overall pick Will Anderson Jr. led the way with 1.5 sacks and is blossoming into a star before our very eyes.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings conversation has to start on the defensive side of the ball. Coordinator Brian Flores is so far the mastermind, but there’s no denying it takes the right personnel to elevate an already strong scheme. Newcomers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel are the main culprits to that point, wreaking havoc in the win versus San Francisco last week and both recording sacks. Then there’s 35-year-old safety Harrison Smith, who is an ageless wonder flying around the entire football field.
And when you talk flying around the entire football field, no one did it more prominently than Justin Jefferson in Week 2. The Vikings’ superstar hauled in a 97-yard touchdown to change the dynamic of last week’s win. Jefferson did exit the game with a quad injury but all reports say he’s on track to play Sunday versus Houston.
HOU
MIN