NFL Week 3 between the Houston Texans (2-0) and Minnesota Vikings (2-0) will kick off on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game will be broadcast live on CBS and can be streamed on Paramount+ and YouTube TV.
The Texans are 2-point favorites with the game total set at over/under 46 points scored between the two teams combined. Houston is a -130 favorite on the moneyline, while Minnesota is +115 to pull off the upset. That means a $100 moneyline wager on the Texans would pay $76.92, while the same bet on the Vikings would pay $115.
The Texans haven't hit their stride through two weeks but are still undefeated. C.J. Stroud is playing well, averaging 247 passing yards per game on a 69.1% completion percentage, 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 23-17 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 predictions for Sunday afternoon and my NFL picks and predictions for Week 3.
Texans vs. Vikings Odds, Picks, Prediction
| Texans Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | -125 |
| Vikings Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -110 | 46.5 -110o / -110u | +105 |
- Texans vs. Vikings Point Spread: Texans -1.5
- Texans vs. Vikings Over/Under: 46.5 Points
- Texans vs. Vikings Moneyline: Texans -125 | Vikings +110
- Texans vs. Vikings Pick: Vikings to cover the spread
My Texans vs. Vikings best bet is on the Vikings to beat the spread, which I bet at Vikings +2 and is now on the board at Vikings +1.5. For all of your NFL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NFL odds page
Spread
Our PRO systems are showing value on the Vikings here as underdogs, which is why I'm betting Minnesota to cover.
Moneyline
I do not have a recommended play on either moneyline, especially with the lines being so tight in this one.
Over/Under
Our projections are in line with the over/under for this game, so I'm not betting the total.
Pick: Vikings +2 or better
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL Week 3 Preview
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.
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
Vikings vs. Texans 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 Sunday
| Location: | U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis |
| Date: | Sunday, Sept. 22 |
| Kickoff Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | CBS / Paramount+, YouTube TV |
Vikings vs. Texans 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+ and YouTube TV.
NFL Weather
For more on NFL weather for Week 3, click here.
