Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans News & Picks
Expert Picks
Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans Odds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Odds | ||
| | Spread | Totals | Money-Line |
| Minnesota Vikings | +3½ -110 | 53½ -110o | +160 |
| Houston Texans | -3½ -110 | 53½ -110u | -180 |
**Odds as of 10/02**
Straight Up
The Vikings are winless through three weeks. They got blown out by the Packers in Week 1, lost to the Colts 28-11 in Week 2 and lost a close one 31-30 to Tennessee. Now they look to pick up a win against a pissed off Houston team that is also winless.
Although the Texans are winless, people aren’t questioning their strength. This is because they’ve faced off against three of the toughest teams in the AFC to kick off the season. Facing a weaker Minnesota team, I’m expecting Deshaun Watson to lead his team to their first win of 2020 over Kirk Cousins.
Against the Spread
In a battle of winless wonders, the Vikings visit the Texans in Week 4. Both Minnesota and Houston are theoretically playoff-caliber teams, and the Texans are primed to get off the schneid. Ex-Pro Bowl S Earl Thomas appears likely to sign with Houston, and his addition would bolster a defense that has serious potential already.
Minnesota’s defense has been strangely abysmal this season. The Vikings have two of the worst starting cornerbacks in the league, and Texans’ QB Deshaun Watson will exploit them. Watson is due for a breakout game, and this could certainly be it.
WR Randall Cobb posted his best game as a Texan last week, catching four balls for 95 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers. Between Cobb, Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, and Kenny Stills, Watson has a solid stable of receivers to throw to and the Minnesota secondary is very beatable.
Expect RB David Johnson to have his best game of the season, and the Texans to do a remarkable job containing Vikes’ RB Dalvin Cook. Houston wins and covers the spread.
It’s Raining Ducketts: Free ATS Pick, Houston Texans -4.5
Over/Under
Both teams are desperate for a victory.
The Minnesota Vikings average 25 points per game, but Kirk Cousins needs to be a lot better. In Week 3 he developed a connection with WR Justin Jefferson, but he only completed 16 passes.
The total has gone over in 9 of Minnesota’s last 12 games played on a Sunday.
Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans are really missing DeAndre Hopkins, and RB David Johnson has not been what they expected.
The Texans average 19 points per game (fifth worst in the league) and the total has gone over in 4 of their last 6 games. Go over in a close one.
