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.

HOUSTON – Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon didn’t practice for the second consecutive day along with backup Dameon Pierce, and Cam Akers is prepping to be RB1 against the Minnesota Vikings, his former team on Sunday.

The Houston Texans do not expect running back Joe Mixon's ankle injury that he sustained against the Chicago Bears to be a long-term issue this season.