Vikings QB Sam Darnold vs. Texans pass rush. Darnold is fifth in the NFL in passer rating (111.8) in a strong start to his Vikings career. His ability to evade the pressure and stay in rhythm will be critical in this game against the Texans, who have nine sacks in two games.

Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson was forced out of the game late in the third quarter against San Francisco with a bruised quadriceps, but he has practiced on a limited basis this week and been trending toward being cleared for Sunday. Jefferson said on Thursday he’ll play “for sure.”

The Texans, fresh off a prime-time win in Houston, head to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Why it matters: The Week 3 matchup features two teams hoping to remain undefeated as the 2024-25 campaign marches on.

Why is this notable? Well, there are two reasons: First, this is double the four-man pass rush snaps the Vikings utilized last season. Second, deploying a four-man pass rush allows you to play with seven defenders in coverage. This is ideal, if you can get away with it. Last year’s Vikings could not.

It's no secret that the Minnesota Vikings are one of the most surprising teams in the league after their 2-0 start to the season. While many could have predicted the Vikings got off to a 1-0 start with a game against the New York Giants,

All is right with the Minnesota Vikings after two games. They are a perfect 2-0, having defeated the New York Giants in the season opener and the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers in Week 2.