Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game

(This story was updated to add new information.)

After dismantling the New York Giants in Week 1, the Minnesota Vikings were put to the test in Week 2 and came out victorious against the San Francisco 49ers . However, that wasn't enough for the football gods to be pleased it seems. With Week 3 comes another daunting test in the shape of C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans .

Both teams are 2-0 heading into this weekend's matchup, and although the Texans look like the clearly superior roster, the Vikings have some tricks up their sleeves. Under head coach Kevin O'Connell, the Vikings are 19-0 when they don't lose the turnover battle. When they come away with as many or more turnovers as their opponents, they've yet to lose in the Kevin O'Connell era.

Of course, winning the turnover battle is easier said than done. Stroud has yet to throw an interception this season, and the Texans have only lost one fumble through two games. It will certainly be a tough matchup, but the Vikings have proven capable of handling even the best teams the NFL has to offer.

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Vikings vs. Texans odds, moneyline, over/under

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• Spread: Texans (-2)
• Moneyline: Texans (-135); Vikings (+115)
• Over/under: 46

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NFL Week 3 odds, predictions and picks

Jets vs. Patriots | Browns vs. Giants | Colts vs. Bears | Vikings vs. Texans | Saints vs. Eagles | Steelers vs. Chargers | Buccaneers vs. Broncos | Titans vs. Packers | Raiders vs. Panthers | Seahawks vs. Dolphins | Cardinals vs. Lions | Cowboys vs. Ravens | Rams vs. 49ers | Falcons vs. Chiefs | Bills vs. Jaguars | Bengals vs. Commanders

Lorenzo Reyes: Texans 27, Vikings 17

The Vikings have been a nice surprise thus far, but I think their hot start is offering some solid value here. Houston has the far better quarterback, the far better skill position players (assuming Jordan Addison is still hobbled), and a defense that could slow Sam Darnold down. With this under a field goal, I love the Texans in this spot.

Tyler Dragon: Texans 26, Vikings 17

Justin Jefferson isn’t expected to miss any games with a quad injury. But the Vikings star wide receiver might not be 100%. Jefferson looked like Hall of Famer Randy Moss against the 49ers last week. The Texans will gameplan to limit Jefferson and Houston’s pass rushers have the ability to bother Sam Darnold. The Texans are one of the top teams in the AFC. Houston wins this battle of two undefeated teams.

Richard Morin: Texans 30, Vikings 27

I like the Texans and the points here, even though this could easily turn into a shootout.

Jordan Mendoza: Texans 26, Vikings 23

Is Minnesota legit? Sam Darnold is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in football, but C.J. Stroud has himself a day with a close road victory.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 3 game