Houston Texans (0-0) vs. Minnesota Vikings (0-0)
August 9, 2025 4:00 pm EDT
The Line: Minnesota Vikings ; Over/Under:
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In this article, we will formulate a Vikings vs Texans prediction for this NFL game on Saturday, August 9th at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 1 matchup in the preseason.
Houston Texans Betting Preview
The Texans are coming off two consecutive seasons with 10 wins and are now entering their third year under the leadership of coach DeMeco Ryans. Historically, the Texans have never secured double-digit wins for three straight years. It will be fascinating to see how quarterback C.J. Stroud performs, especially after a setback last year. Of course, injuries and a weak offensive line have not aided the situation, and there are still lingering questions about that offensive line.
When fully healthy, the offense should be satisfactory, as running back Joe Mixon has shown reliability, and the receiving pair of Nico Collins and Christian Kirk is quite capable. However, it remains difficult to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender if the offensive line does not show improvement.
On the defensive side, the Texans were among the best in the league last season, and this is expected to persist. The defensive line is led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, while the secondary includes Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter. Furthermore, C.J. Gardner-Johnson has joined from the Eagles, further strengthening the backend. The Texans are likely to rank as a top-five defense in the NFL, which is a key reason they are favored to win the AFC South.
Minnesota Vikings Betting Preview
The Minnesota Vikings secured 14 wins last season and are aiming to qualify for the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2009. Coach Kevin O’Connell is in his fourth year, holding a winning percentage of 66.7. On the offensive side, the Vikings will soon evaluate J.J. McCarthy as they move on from Sam Darnold. He finds himself in a favorable situation with arguably the top receiving duo in Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is very effective when healthy, and the offensive line is anticipated to improve with the new additions of Ryan Kelly and Will Fries. The performance of the offense will depend on how quickly the 22-year-old McCarthy can acclimate.
On the defensive front, the Vikings are known for their aggressive style under Brian Flores, utilizing blitzing strategies and creating turnovers. Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel lead the defensive line, and the additions of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave further strengthen the team. While the secondary has uncertainties due to player exits, the Vikings’ defense is expected to maintain its aggressive approach and deliver game-changing plays thanks to the leadership in place.
Vikings vs Texans Prediction
My main concern in preseason games revolves around quarterback depth. The combination of Sam Howell, Brett Rypien, and Max Brosmer fails to excite me. Furthermore, the Vikings are dealing with offensive line problems, which complicates matters further. Davis Mills, an experienced quarterback, has occasionally showcased his abilities and is the most promising choice among this group. A couple of drives could make a crucial difference for the Texans. I intend to seize the free field goal opportunity with the Texans.
