This Sunday, the Houston Texans and the Minnesota Vikings, both riding the momentum of 2-0 starts, face off in a thrilling Week 3 matchup at 1 p.m. ET on CBS. Both teams are not only eyeing a perfect 3-0 record but are also chasing significant milestones that could shape their seasons.
For the Texans, a victory would mark just the second time in franchise history that they’ve begun the season 3-0, a feat last accomplished in 2012. This team, under the leadership of their emerging stars, is eager to build on their early success. On the other side of the field, the Vikings have their sights set on starting 3-0 for the first time since 2016. Adding to the intrigue, Minnesota’s formidable defense could make history as they aim to become just the third team since 1990 to record at least five sacks in each of their first three games, joining the ranks of the 2001 New Orleans Saints and the 2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
A subplot that adds another layer of drama to this game is the connection between these two teams through star wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson. In a blockbuster move before the 2020 NFL Draft, the Vikings traded Diggs to Buffalo in exchange for a package that included the No. 22 overall pick, a selection they used to draft Jefferson. Since then, both players have become elite in the league. Over the past five seasons, Diggs has tied for first in receptions (455) and ranks fourth in receiving yards (5,442). Jefferson, on the other hand, has quickly ascended the ranks, sitting second in receiving yards (6,091) and sixth in receptions (400) during the same period.
Last week, Jefferson added another impressive accolade to his resume, becoming the youngest player ever to surpass 6,000 receiving yards at just 25 years and 91 days old. He also became the third-youngest player in NFL history to reach 400 receptions, cementing his place among the league’s elite.
The game also marks a homecoming of sorts for Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter, who spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Vikings. Hunter, who signed with Houston this offseason, had a solid performance last week with 1.5 sacks, bringing his career total to 87.5, the third-most in Vikings franchise history. His familiarity with the Vikings’ system and players could be a pivotal factor in Sunday’s contest.
Adding to the mix are linebackers Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard, both of whom set career highs with the Texans in 2023 before joining the Vikings this offseason. Cashman is coming off a dominant Week 2 performance, where he tallied 13 tackles, three pass defenses, and one sack. Greenard, who recorded his first sack of the season last week, had 12.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss with the Texans last year. Their presence adds another layer of complexity to a game that promises to be a tightly contested battle.
With both teams boasting dynamic playmakers and strong defensive units, this matchup is set to be one of the most exciting games of the weekend. Fans can expect a fierce contest as the Texans and Vikings battle not just for a win, but for the chance to make early season statements that could resonate throughout the rest of the year.
