Vikings vs Texans Odds, Lines, & Spread
- The Houston Texans are 3.5-point favorites against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday (1pm ET) in the battle of winless teams
- The Vikings and Texans both won playoff games last season
- See the game odds, spread and total, as well as a preview below
Coming into this season, the Vikings vs Texans Week 4 game projected to be a clash of quality teams. Both teams were 10-6 last season, and both won their opening playoff game.
But the Vikings (0-3) and Texans (0-3) have both struggled against a challenging schedule this season. The six opponents the Vikings and Texans have faced this season have a combined record of 16-2. Both enter this game desperately needing a win to get back into the playoff picture.
The Deshaun Watson-led Texans are 3.5-point favorites in the Vikings vs Texans odds.
Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | +155 | +3.5 (-110) | O 53.5 (-110) |
| Houston Texans | -182 | -3.5 (-110) | U 53.5 (-110) |
DraftKings odds taken Oct 4
Watson Will Find Seams in Vikings’ Defense
Houston’s 0-3 start isn’t Watson’s fault. Watson has been running for his life, and has been sacked 13 times, but he’s still managed to complete 67.4% of his passes and register 792 yards in completions.
Watson has only thrown three interceptions. His lower-than-expected four TD passes is a result of having faced tough Baltimore and Pittsburgh defenses the past two weeks.
You would guess the Texans are excited to face a defense that has already surrendered 102 points in three games.
Deshaun finds Randall Cobb for a 28-yard TD 🔥
It’s Watson’s first TD pass to a WR this season
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/LNHqFb3fHW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 27, 2020
Heat On Cousins to Deliver a Win
It’s only Week 4, but some fans in Minnesota are already calling for Cousins to be benched. In his past two games, Cousins has completed only 50.9% (27-of-53 ) of his passes. He has more interceptions (six) than he has touchdown passes (five). Cousins only threw six interceptions all of last season
Cousins’ 623 passing yards rank 27th among NFL quarterbacks. He also ranks 25th in on-target pass percentage (66.7%), according to Sports Info Solutions.
These are not the kind of statistics a team wants to see after giving him a two-year $66 million contract extension last spring.
In fairness to Cousins, he doesn’t have the same support he enjoyed last season. The Vikings traded away last season’s top receiver, Stefon Diggs. Plus, Cousins is working with a new offensive coordinator (Gary Kubiak) and the Vikings’ offensive line play has been poor this season. Cousins has been under considerable pressure.
2020 recap for the #Vikings so far…
– Stefanski leaves
– Cousins extended
– Diggs traded
– Linval, Everson, Rhodes all leave
– Failed to acquire Trent Williams
– Drafted 15 rookies
– COVID-19 cancels the preseason
– Pierce opts out
– Start 0-3
– Hunter likely done for year pic.twitter.com/O9I5FmdMfT— Adam Patrick (@Str8_Cash_Homey) October 2, 2020
Vikings Shorthanded In Secondary
Minnesota likely will be down two cornerbacks (Mike Hughes and Kris Boyd) when it plays the Texans. Hughes (neck) is out and Boyd (hamstring) is doubtful. Boyd did have some limited practice this week.
The good news for the Vikings is cornerback Cameron Dantzler is expected to play after missing two games with injured ribs. He came into the season as a starter.
The Texans don’t have anyone officially listed as “out” for Week 4, but running back Cullen Gallaspia (hamstring) and linebacker Peter Kalambayi (hamstring) are both listed as questionable.
Injury Report: Good News Across The Board For #Texans v #Vikings https://t.co/UcKbjYXOdN via @arwoodNFL at @SInow
— Texans Daily at SI.com (@TEXANSatSI) October 3, 2020
Texans Have More Upside on Offense
As much as Cousins wants to break out of his passing slump, this doesn’t look like his best opportunity. The Texans rank third against the pass. They’ve only given up 598 yards in three weeks. The Texans’ problem has been stopping the run. Opponents have piled up 565 yards on the ground against Houston.
Undoubtedly, Minnesota ball-carrier Dalvin Cook will receive plenty of touches against Houston.
But the Texans look to have more offensive potential, based on how poorly the Vikings have played defensively. They rank 28th against the pass and 25th against the run.
The Texans are better than they have looked, and we are not quite sure how good the Vikings are.
Pick: Texans -3.5 (-110)
Kevin Allen has covered most major events, including the Olympics, Super Bowl, World Series, NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final. He covered the NHL for USA Today from 1986-2020, receiving the Lester Patrick Award in 2013 and was honored by the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2014 with the Elmer Ferguson Award.
