This Saturday afternoon, we have an exciting preseason game with the Texans and Vikings meeting at the U.S. Bank Stadium. The books have it as a three-point game with the home team, Minnesota, as favorites.
It's J.J. McCarthy versus CJ Stroud, but the big question is how much we'll see from each quarterback. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET and is available to watch on NFL Network.
Let's get into my Texans vs Vikings prediction and my NFL predictions for Week 1 of this preseason.
Texans vs Vikings Odds
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -110 | 37.5 -120o / 100u | +142 |
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -110 | 37.5 -120o / 100u | -170 |
- Texans-Vikings Point Spread: Texans +3 (-110) · Vikings -3 (-110)
- Texans-Vikings Total: Over/Under 37.5 (-120o / +100u)
- Texans-Vikings Moneyline: Texans +142 · Vikings -170
NFL Picks: Preseason Week 1
It's nearly a year to the day since J.J. McCarthy made his NFL debut against the Raiders. He had a solid first outing in the league, as he went 11-17 with two touchdowns and 188 yards.
There were big hopes for the rookie, who was expected to beat out Sam Darnold for the Vikings' starting spot. However, things went downhill rapidly following that performance: McCarthy had to get season-ending surgery on his torn meniscus. That helped Darnold rebuild his career and get paid in Seattle, but now it's time to see what McCarthy can do with this offense.
He has been confirmed as the starter on Saturday and is looking forward to getting used to being on the field once again.
The Vikings have made big moves in the offseason, both on the defensive side of the ball, but crucially on the offensive line, with Will Freis and Ryan Kelly coming in to protect the sophomore, as well as drafting Donovan Jackson in the first round.
When head coach Kevin O'Connell has seen enough of McCarthy in this game, there's experience waiting in the wings with Sam Howell and Brett Rypien ready to take part.
Things are less clear for the Texans with head coach DeMeco Ryans not yet confirming whether we'll see C.J. Stroud or not this Saturday. While he hasn't made a decision at the time of writing, it's clear that his young QB would like to play.
Stroud has spoken of wanting to "get hit once or twice" and emphasising the difference between a live game and practice.
If Stroud were to play, which you'd imagine he will, then the Texans are good value as three-point 'dogs.
Behind Stroud is Davis Mills, more than capable at this level, as well as Graham Mertz and Kedon Slovis, who make up the QB room.
With Joe Mixon injured, there's a chance for somebody else to step up and make a claim on that running back spot.
Nick Chubb is questionable, but veterans Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale will be able to cause problems for the Vikings' defense.
Texans vs Vikings Predictions
There's more experience in the Vikings' backup quarterbacks than we have on the Texans' sideline, although there's a feeling the Texans really need to start this season well, having regressed slightly last year.
It's not the biggest sample size, but Ryans has one of the league's best preseason winning percentages as a head coach, with a 5-2 record, and his teams have gone 2-1 in Week 1 of preseason.
O'Connell has won just 33% of his preseason games as HC, and the Texans have a real shot at hanging with the Vikings here.
Pick: Texans +3 (-110)
How to Watch Texans vs Vikings
| Location: | US Bank Stadium |
| Date: | Saturday, August 9 |
| Kickoff Time: | 4 p.m. ET |
Texans vs Vikings will be live from US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game is live on NFL Network.
Texans vs Vikings Weather
