The Houston Texans (2-0) face the Minnesota Vikings (2-0) to kick off NFL Week 3 on Sunday. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The Texans are 2-point favorites with the game total set at 46. Houston is a -130 favorite on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +115 to pull off the upset. The game will be broadcast live on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+.
The Texans haven't hit their stride through two weeks but are still 2-0. C.J. Stroud is playing well, while Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs are thriving with their new team. The Vikings are one of the biggest surprises of the NFL after upsetting the 49ers in Week 2. Sam Darnold is playing like an MVP with Justin Jefferson making play after play.
Let's get into my Texans vs. Vikings prediction for Sunday afternoon and my NFL picks and predictions for Week 3.
Texans vs. Vikings Picks
SPREAD
Our PRO systems are showing value on the Vikings here as underdogs.
MONEYLINE
We do not have a recommended play on either moneyline.
TOTAL
Our projections are in line with the over/under for this game.
Texans vs. Vikings Pick: Vikings +2
Texans vs. Vikings Odds
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -115 | 46 -110o / -110u | -130 |
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -105 | 46 -110o / -110u | +115 |
- Texans vs. Vikings Point Spread: Texans -2.5
- Texans vs. Vikings Total: Over/Under 46
- Texans vs. Vikings Moneyline: Texans -130 | Vikings +115
Texans vs. Vikings: NFL Week 3 Picks
By Matt Trebby
One of the most intriguing stories of the season so far is Sam Darnold in Minnesota.
Darnold is averaging a staggering 9.5 yards per attempt and has four touchdowns to two interceptions so far this season, and Minnesota is sitting atop the NFC North at 2-0. While the Week 1 win over the Giants was a walk in the park, Minnesota showed its moxie with a win over the 49ers in Week 2.
Running back Aaron Jones has 126 rushing yards and is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, as is backup RB Ty Chandler. Justin Jefferson is pacing the Vikings' receiving corps, to no one's surprise, with 192 receiving yards so far this season, with 97 of those coming on a touchdown last week against San Francisco.
The Texans have taken care of business through two weeks with wins over the Colts and Bears. C.J. Stroud has three touchdowns and no interceptions and is averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.
Joe Mixon has 39 carries for 184 yards, and the Texans' top two receivers are thriving. Nico Collins is a star with 252 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Stefon Diggs has two touchdowns in his first two games with the Texans.
Best Bet for Texans vs. Vikings
By PJ Walsh
Texans vs. Vikings is a prime example of the importance of key numbers and how not all half-points are the same when betting NFL spreads.
Minnesota opened as a 3-point underdog back on Sunday and sharps were quick to pounce on the Vikings at that price. In reaction, oddsmakers have kicked this line down to a consensus of +2 across the market.
At this point, it makes sense to hold off to see if Houston action pushes the spread back out to +3 between now and kickoff because, what do you have to lose if you’re going to tail the sharps at +2 anyway?
Pick: Vikings +2
Betting Trends
- 58% of bets and 45% of the money are on the Texans to cover the spread.
- 59% of bets and 62% of the money are on the over.
- 40% of bets and 66% of the money on the moneyline are on the Vikings.
How to Watch Texans vs. Vikings
| Location: | U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis |
| Date: | Sunday, Sept. 22 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS/Paramount+ |
Texans vs. Vikings is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET live from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.
Texans-Vikings Weather
For more on NFL weather for Week 3, click here.
