Why Are the Texans Favored over Vikings? 🤔
The Minnesota Vikings have been slept on all offseason because no one wants to believe in Sam Darnold. As Kevin O’Connell recently suggested, it’s time to stop viewing him as the player he was.
Why Are the Texans Favored over Vikings? 🤔
With two wins out of the gate, it’s worth wondering why the Vikings are home underdogs yet again.
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers came to town and were understandably favored by more than a field goal. Kyle Shanahan’s team finished as runner-up for the Super Bowl, and they had both Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams this time around. That reality didn’t phase Minnesota, and the Vikings disposed of their opponent while never truly feeling threatened.
As they look to pick up a third straight win, the Houston Texans are now seen as the better team. DeMeco Ryans brings a team that the Vikings could realistically replicate this year. Ryans pushed his team to a 10-7 record last year. That was good enough to win the division and make the postseason.
C.J. Stroud looks to be an exceptional young quarterback, but Houston hasn’t dominated their opposition. They won a close game against the Indianapolis Colts and then an ugly one against the Chicago Bears. At this point, it’s hard not to suggest that Minnesota will provide a greater challenge than either of those teams.
The Vikings also have the advantage of playing at U.S. Bank Stadium again. Homefield advantage was real against the 49ers and often is for the Minnesota Vikings. As Kevin O’Connell’s squad dons the purple classic uniforms for the first time this season, they can knock off another opponent in style.
It seems unlikely that Joe Mixon will play for the Texans, and that hampers their offensive style. You can bet that former Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be looking to do damage, but it’s clear that Brian Flores’ defense will be up to the task. The Vikings aren’t going to run the table and go undefeated, but it seems time they start to earn a bit more respect.
If Sam Darnold can play to a strong standard once again this weekend, it’s hard to think he won’t have put the league on notice.
Ted Schwerzler is a blogger from the Twin Cities that is focused on all things Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings. He’s active on Twitter and writes weekly for Twins Daily. As a former college athlete and avid sports fan, covering our pro teams with a passion has always seemed like such a natural outlet.
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