Coming off of a powerful win over the 49ers final Sunday, issues do not get any simpler for the Vikings in Week 3. They're dealing with one other robust problem in opposition to the Texans in what needs to be fairly the battle of 2-0 groups. With C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, Danielle Hunter, and so many different gifted gamers, this Houston group will likely be robust to beat.
The similar will be mentioned concerning the Vikings, who cruised over the Giants in Week 1 after which have been a fumble away from a multi-score win over the mighty 49ers. Kevin O'Connell and Brian Flores have this group taking part in at a really excessive stage, with Sam Darnold working effectively on offense and the protection giving opponents all types of matches.
(*3*)The Texans have squeaked out one-score wins over the Colts and Bears to this point this season, however they arrive into this recreation as 2-point highway favorites over the Vikings. An AFC franchise that joined the NFL as an growth group in 2002, they're nonetheless wanting for their first-ever win over Minnesota (0-5 all-time).
Who will get the job executed at U.S. Bank Stadium this Sunday and strikes to 3-0? We've made our picks.
I'm going to maintain rolling with O'Connell and Flores and the spectacular roster the Vikings have put collectively. Darnold's stable efficiency feels sustainable to me, even in opposition to a Texans protection with a number of expertise in any respect three ranges. I count on one other large recreation from Justin Jefferson, who's the very best huge receiver on the planet. Stroud and the Texans will put up some factors on Flores and this excellent Vikings protection, however they will additionally flip it over a few times and will likely be held to discipline targets on just a few threatening drives. The recreation being in Minneapolis makes the distinction right here. Vikes begin 3-0.
There are loads of revenge recreation angles Sunday between the Vikings and Texans. Unfortunately for Vikings followers, the likes of Diggs and Hunter will likely be extra profitable in exacting that revenge. Houston's offense is legit, as Stroud has proven enchancment on an unimaginable rookie 12 months. The Vikings' protection, which has impressed early, can have its arms full making an attempt to decelerate all of the Texans' weapons, whereas the Vikings' offense might wrestle to guard Darnold.
No Texans weapon ought to strike extra worry into the Vikings than Nico Collins, who leads the league in receiving yards and has made highlight-reel catches by means of two weeks. He's the No. 1 motive I feel Houston will go toe-to-toe with Minnesota in what I consider will develop right into a shootout. Houston scored on six of 9 possessions earlier than operating out the clock in opposition to Indy after which on 4 of 5 drives within the first half in opposition to the Bears earlier than falling aside within the second half. I feel the primary six quarters higher symbolize who they're than the final two. That mentioned, the Vikings are at house and Sam Darnold may very well be cooking for a full recreation with Justin Jefferson. Gimme the Purple by a hair in a thriller.
The Texans have appeared like one of the crucial full groups within the NFL with second-year QB C.J. Stroud. I feel Sunday's contest will likely be shut, however the Vikings' early season momentum ends in Week 3 with a loss. Minnesota can have no reply for Houston's gifted group of move catchers in Stefon Diggs' return to U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Vikings proved Week 1 wasn’t a fluke with a powerful win over the 49ers in Week 2. But it nonetheless looks as if an enormous ask to beat two contenders in back-to-back weeks.
Here are final week's predictions. Season data for our pickers:
Will: 2-0
Joe: 2-0
Nolan: 1-1
Jonathan: 1-1
Tony: 0-2
