In a commanding performance, the Minnesota Vikings cruised to a 34-7 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 3, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball. The Vikings’ defense was relentless, recording five sacks on rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and intercepting him twice. In the first quarter, a pivotal moment came when Harrison Phillips tipped a pass, allowing Kamu Grugier-Hill to snag an interception against his former team. This turnover quickly led to a swift Vikings drive, culminating in a six-yard touchdown pass from Sam Darnold to Justin Jefferson in the first quarter.
The Texans’ struggles continued when kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a field goal attempt, leaving them scoreless. The Vikings responded with a solid scoring drive, highlighted by a big catch over the middle from Aaron Jones for an eight-yard touchdown to close out the first quarter. The second quarter saw a defensive stalemate, with both teams exchanging strong plays but no points on the board. However, the Minnesota crowd made their presence felt, creating enough noise to cause three consecutive false starts for the Texans, proving that the Vikings have found their 12th man at home!
In the second half, the Vikings wasted no time, marching down the field for a quick touchdown as Jalen Nailor caught a four-yard pass, marking his third touchdown in as many games. The Texans managed to get on the board with a receiving touchdown from Cam Akers late in the third quarter, but the Vikings quickly responded. After a solid drive, they set up Will Reichard for a 35-yard field goal to extend their lead.
In the fourth quarter, Stroud attempted to make a play but ended up throwing an interception to Cam Bynum. The Vikings capitalized on this turnover, with Aaron Jones breaking off a massive run to put them in scoring position. The drive concluded with a touchdown catch by Johnny Mundt, marking Sam Darnold’s fourth touchdown pass of the day. The Vikings’ defense remained disruptive throughout the game, and Reichard sealed the deal with a massive 58-yard field goal, putting the final nail in the coffin for Stroud and the Texans.
Jonathan Greenard had a standout performance against his former team, recording three sacks, while defensive coordinator Brian Flores showcased his exceptional scheme, effectively managing the game despite missing two key defenders. The Vikings’ defense also did an excellent job of containing Stefon Diggs, preventing him from finding the end zone. With this victory, Minnesota improved to 3-0, silencing offseason doubters and proving that head coach Kevin O’Connell is the right fit to transform this team into a top competitor in the league.
KEY PLAYERS FROM WEEK 3
Offense
- SAM DARNOLD – 28 Attempts 17 Completions 181 Yards 4 TDs 0 INT
- AARON JONES – 19 carries for 102 yards (5.4 yards per attempt); 5 Receptions 46 yards 1 TD
- JUSTIN JEFFERSON – 8 Targets 6 Receptions 81 Yards 1 TD
- JALEN NAILOR – 4 Targets 3 Receptions 31 Yards 1 TD
Defense
- ANDREW VAN GINKEL – 5 Tackles 1 Assist 1 SACK
- CAMRYN BYNUM – 1 Tackles 1 Assist 1 INT
- JONATHAN GREENARD – 3 Tackles 1 Assists 3 sacks
- Harrison Smith – 4 Tackles 3 Assists
- KAMU GRUGIER-HILL – 2 Tackles 1 Assist 1 INT
It’s week 4 and we’ve got a Viking/Packers border battle! This will be one for the ages!
The Minnesota Vikings have had a rollercoaster ride with their injury report this season, but Week 4 brings some good news for them. Wide receiver Jordan Addison has been sitting on the sidelines since Week 1 due to an ankle injury, missing out on all the offensive excitement. Fortunately, he’s projected to return on Sunday for a crucial divisional matchup against the Packers.
Last week, the team also managed without Ivan Pace Jr. and Dallas Turner, but you can bet Brian Flores would rather have had them on the field every week as they have been huge disruptors. Luckily players like Kamu Grugier-Hill stepped up in a huge way and will have to do the same today. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the Vikings’ injury report as they gear up for Sunday’s showdown with the Packers.
INJURIES/PLAYERS OUT
Ivan Pace Jr. (Linebacker)
Injury: Quad/Ankle
Status: OUT
Ivan had a quad injury coming out of week two’s game against the 49ers and also tweakied his ankle in practice. This is a huge blow to the explosive Vikings defense. Ivan has been an absolute monster and has stepped up big in huge situations. With the Packers number one rushing offense, he is truly going to be missed this week as he is one of our top tacklers and top run defenders.
The other key players whom were on Minnesota’s injury report did not receive a designation for the game and are expected to be available!
Garrett Bradbury (Center) (Ankle), Jay Ward (Safety) (Knee), Jordan Addison (Wide Receiver) (Ankle), Jonathan Bullard (Defensive Lineman) (Knee), Dallas Turner (Offensive Line Backer) (Knee), Kamu Grugier-Hill (Linebacker) (Knee), Josh Oliver (Tight End) (Wrist), Sam Darnold (Quarterback) (Knee), Christian Darrisaw (Tackle) (Illness), Stephon Gilmore (Cornerback) (Rest) and Harrison Smith (Safety) (Rest).
GAME DETAILS
Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin
Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
Kickoff: 1:00 p.m. ET
Where to Watch: CBS or Paramount+
Texans vs Vikings Odds
- Spread: Minnesota +2.5 (-102) | Packers[ +1.5 (-118)
- Over/Under: 44 Points Over (-108) | Under (-112)
- Moneyline: Minnesota (+114) | Packers (-135)
Odds courtesy of Draft Kings Sportsbook
My Week 4 Bets and Final Prediction for Vikings @ Packers
- Vikings get the victory this week at +114
- I’m predicting a Packers 20 / Vikings 23 score for today’s game, which means you should be taking Minnesota at +2.5.
- The Total for this game is 44 which means I’m predicting this will be a more heavy Defensive game than expected and I’ll be taking the under at -108
FAVORITE BETS
- Justin Jefferson – Anytime TD (-110)
- Aaron Jones – Anytime TD (+120)
- Josh Jacobs – Over 60.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
- Will Reichard – Over 1.5 Filed Goals Made (+110)
- Jonathon Greenard – Over 0.25 Sacks (+140)
Buckle up, Vikings fans! This week’s matchup is shaping up to be a real nail-biter, especially with one of the team’s top run-stopping tacklers, Ivan Pace Jr still being out of the lineup. The Packers are strutting in as the NFL’s number one rushing team, so it’s time for the rest of the Vikings to channel their inner superheroes and make some game-changing stops. Unfortunately, it looks like Jordan Love coul be taking the field, which means the Vikings are going to have a tougher matchup through the air. If Malik Willis gets the go, then the Vikings will need to live up to their ability as the number two rush stop defensive team.
The Vikings defense just needs to keep doing what they’ve been doing—after all, under Brian Flores, they’ve only allowed a mere 30 points over the last three weeks. Let’s hear it for the “SLOW DOWN THE PACK!” campaign!
On the flip side, the Vikings will be facing a formidable Packers defense at Lambeau. But wait, there’s a glimmer of hope! Justin Jefferson might catch a break this week with Jaire Alexander potentially being sidelined with that Quad/Groin injury. Vikings also get their star number two receiver Jordan Addison back! Look for them to go heavy through the air early to open up that ground game for Aaron Jones home coming!
Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores have a hefty challenge ahead of them this week on the road as underdogs once again. Regardless of the tough divisional battle, I have faith that the Vikings defense will find a way to keep them in the game and snag a win in Lambeau. And if all goes well, the Vikings will head to London at 4-0 to take on Aaron Rodgers and his Jets. Now that’s a trip worth taking!
Skol Viking Let’s Win This Game!
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