What to know when the Vikings play host to the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon:
Vikings vs. Texans
When: 12 p.m. Sunday
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium
TV: CBS
Radio: KFAN
Line: Texans -2
Over/Under: 46.5
Keys for the Vikings
— So far this season the Vikings have had a lot of success when handing the ball to running back Aaron Jones or fellow running back Ty Chandler out of the backfield. The ability to pound the rock will be imperative for the Vikings this weekend if they hope to contain the Texans’ talented pass rush. If the Vikings can get Jones and Chandler going, it will open things up for veteran quarterback Sam Darnold when he drops back to pass.
— As special as Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud is in a vacuum, the Vikings might be able to rattle him if they can generate enough pressure. It’s something defensive coordinator Brian Flores has managed to do in both games this season as the Vikings are off to a 2-0 start. Though the Texans have a ton of weapons on offense, that means nothing if Stroud can’t get them the ball. Now. it’s easier said than done to rattle Stroud given his mobility in and out of the pocket.
Keys for the Texans
— The game plan on the defensive side of the ball will be centered on the Texans getting after veteran quarterback Sam Darnold. As impressive as Darnold has been throwing the ball to this point, his numbers, like most quarterbacks, go down when he faces pressure. The presence of edge rusher Danielle Hunter and fellow edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. will play a big role in whether the Texans can keep the Vikings from lighting up the scoreboard.
— Can the Texans get any sort of production out of running back Cam Akers? That will be a big question they need to answer with star running back Joe Mixon listed as doubtful. If Akers can provide a punch out of the backfield, it will keep the defense honest. If Akers gets bottled, the offense suddenly becomes pretty predicable.
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