Free NFL Week 3 Pick: Texans vs. Vikings Odds
Looking for Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings free NFL picks & NFL odds? NFL betting sees the Texans taking on the Vikings on Sunday, September 22nd at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Cappers Picks provides complimentary NFL Football handicapping picks all NFL season long including all NFL Week 3 games so stay tuned for more FREE NFL predictions like this Houston Minnesota matchup.
NFL Handicapping Analysis: Week 3
(2-0) Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)
Date: Sunday, September 22nd
Time: 1:00 ET
Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis MN
NFL ATS Betting Lines: (BET NOW!) Houston -2.5 | Minnesota +2.5
NFL Moneyline Odds: Houston -139 | Minnesota +116
NFL Betting Total: O/U 45.5
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Buckle up, folks—Week 3 NFL action is here, and we’ve got a barnburner between two undefeated teams! The 2-0 Texans head into Minnesota as slight favorites (-2.5), but don’t sleep on the Vikings, who are riding high with a 6-1-3 record over their last ten home games.
Houston’s been shaky as a favorite, going 2-3 in their last five, but Minnesota’s defense, led by the brilliant Brian Flores, has allowed just 23 points in two games—good for second-best in the league.
Last season, the Texans and Vikings did not face off head-to-head. When looking back over the last three times these two teams have played, the Vikings have the leg up at 3-0. The Vikings also had the edge vs. the spread in these games, at 3-0.
These games averaged a combined total of 42 points per game leading to an over/under record of 2-1.
Houston Texans
The Texans are now 2-0 after their 19-13 win over the Bears. Houston’s early 56-yard field goal was matched by Chicago, leading to a 3-3 tie after the 1st quarter. The Texans took the lead in the 2nd quarter with two touchdown passes from C.J. Stroud, one each to Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, making it 13-3. Houston added a field goal to make it 16-10 going into the half. The Texans didn’t cover the spread, as they were -6.5 point favorites with a 6-point win.
The Texans added a field goal in the 4th quarter, and the Bears also added a field goal, resulting in a 19-13 final score in favor of Houston. The Texans and Bears combined for 32 points, falling short of the over/under line of 45.5 points.
Houston Texans Stats
In their 19-13 win over the Bears, the Texans’ offense gained 235 yards through the air on 36 passing attempts. However, they struggled on third down, converting just 28.6% of their chances, and allowed three sacks. C.J. Stroud threw for 260 yards, completing 63% of his passes and finishing with one touchdown and a passer rating of 94.
Nico Collins was the top target for Houston, finishing with 135 yards receiving and a touchdown. The Texans’ ground game was limited to 75 rushing yards on 22 attempts, with Cam Akers leading the team with 32 yards on seven carries.
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The Texans’ defense was dominant in their 19-13 win over the Bears, allowing just 134 passing yards and forcing seven sacks. Chicago managed only 205 total yards and 71 rushing yards on 22 attempts. Houston didn’t allow a passing touchdown and picked off two passes, holding the Bears to a 62.2% completion percentage and a 35.3% third-down conversion rate.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are now 2-0 after their 23-17 win over the 49ers. Minnesota was +4 point underdogs heading into the game, giving them both a straight-up and ATS win. The combined 40 points was just short of the over/under line of 46.5 points. Minnesota led 20-7 heading into the 4th quarter, and despite a late push from the 49ers, they were able to hold on for the win.
Jauan Jennings’ touchdown catch from Brock Purdy put the 49ers up 10-0 in the 2nd quarter, but the Vikings responded with a touchdown from Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson. After a 39-yard field goal from Will Reichard just before halftime, the Vikings closed the 2nd quarter with the 20-7 lead. In the 3rd quarter, Darnold found Jalen Nailor for another touchdown to give the Vikings a 20-14 lead.
Minnesota Vikings Stats
Sam Darnold threw for 268 yards, completing 17 of 26 passes (65%) in the Vikings’ 23-17 win over the 49ers. Darnold threw two touchdowns and was sacked four times. Minnesota’s offense had 17 first downs and gained 399 yards. They ran for 146 yards on 24 attempts and converted 58.3% of their third down chances.
Ty Chandler led the Vikings with 82 yards rushing, averaging 8.2 yards per attempt, with a long run of 25 yards. Justin Jefferson had 133 yards receiving, including a 97-yard touchdown catch.
In their most recent game, the Vikings’ defense allowed 399 yards, but still managed to come out on top, beating the 49ers 23-17. They were tough on third downs, allowing just a 20% conversion rate and coming up with six sacks. Against the run, they gave up 102 yards on 25 attempts, and in the passing game, they allowed 297 yards and a completion percentage of 77.8%. They also picked off one pass and limited the 49ers to one touchdown.
Minnesota’s pass rush was a key factor in this game, as they notched six sacks and had a positive differential in QB hits and tackles for loss. Despite giving up some big plays in the passing game, their ability to pressure the quarterback helped them secure the win.
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL Football Betting Trends
- The Texans are 2-3 in their last five games as a favorite.
- Conversely, the Vikings are 2-2-1 ATS in their last five games as an underdog.
- Also, the Texans are 5-5 ATS in their last ten road games.
- On the other side, the Vikings have gone 6-1-3 across their last ten home games.
- Over the Texans’ last 3 road games, the over/under record is 1-1-1.
- The Vikings’ have an over/under record of 2-1 in their last 3 games at home.
Texans vs. Vikings Line Movement
| Open-ML | Live-ML | Open-Spread | Live-Spread | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texans | -148 | -139 | -2.5 | -2.5 |
| Vikings | +124 | +116 | +2.5 | +2.5 |
4* Free Week 3 NFL Betting Prediction: Minnesota +2.5
With live odds at Houston -139 on the moneyline and an over/under set at 45.5, this game is packed with betting value. Can the Texans keep their momentum, or will the Vikings as home dogs spoil the party again?
Our pick vs. the spread in this Texans vs. Vikings matchup is to take the Vikings to cover as home underdogs. The point spread lines have the Vikings at +2.5, and we have them winning by a score of 26-23.
For this week three matchup, we have the Vikings coming out on top. As for the over/under line, with it sitting at 45.5 points, we like the over, projecting a combined score of 49 points.
Get ready for some fireworks—this one’s going to be a thriller! Bet smart, and let’s cash in!
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Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings NFL Betting Tweet Of The Day
Justin Jefferson gives an update pic.twitter.com/03LF9soufj
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 19, 2024
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