Daily Norseman - 2020 NFL Week 4: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (maybe)The Purple and Gold Standardhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48653/dailynorseman_fave.png2020-10-04T16:17:52-05:00http://www.dailynorseman.com/rss/stream/212585882020-10-04T16:17:52-05:002020-10-04T16:17:52-05:00Vikings had false positive for COVID-19 before Sunday’s game in Houston
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rI-BWRPBYEnDgAltMBxtc1BUfZk=/0x0:2229x1486/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67580278/usa_today_15021720.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>But the player ultimately tested negative</p> <p id="BtWE4T">On Sunday, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> picked up their first victory, defeating the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> at NRG Stadium by a score of 31-23. The week leading up to this one was strange for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>, as they had to shut down their facilities for a few days in light of their previous opponents, the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>, having a rash of positive COVID-19 tests after last week’s game.</p>
<p id="6EnDED">There was one more scare for the Vikings before Sunday’s game, though.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mike Zimmer reveals that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> had a starter receive a false positive COVID-19 test before the game. That player then had to pass two additional tests to get cleared.</p>— Sam Ekstrom (@SamEkstrom) <a href="https://twitter.com/SamEkstrom/status/1312851039150895104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="HcCCWP">According to Sam Ekstrom of Zone Coverage, Vikings’ coach Mike Zimmer told the media that one of the Vikings’ starters had gotten a false positive test for the virus prior to today’s game. However, the player then took two subsequent tests and both came back negative.</p>
<p id="q46nZc">The Vikings, ultimately, did not have any changes to their starting lineup for today’s game. There’s no word on which player had the false positives come back, and there’s a very good chance that we’re never going to know who it was. But, the important thing to come out of this is that it was a <em>false</em> positive.</p>
<p id="P6yEdE">Given what happened in the aftermath of last week’s game, it will be important to see what happens with the Vikings and the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> over the next few days as daily testing continues. For now, however, the Vikings have again dodged the COVID-19 bullet.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21501450/minnesota-vikings-false-positive-covid-19-houston-texansChristopher Gates2020-10-04T15:05:00-05:002020-10-04T15:05:00-05:00Minnesota Vikings 31, Houston Texans 23: Vikings hold on for first victory of 2020
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mMkAFjSWv7SVrJ99QZIug4kwkLo=/0x0:2330x1553/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67580042/usa_today_15021007.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Pretty exciting game, all in all</p> <p id="1LkYWM">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> faced off in a battle of 0-3 teams on Sunday at NRG Stadium, and while the Minnesota offense put on a show again, it took a defensive stop on the last play of the game to escape with a victory.</p>
<p id="l7T95B"><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>, <span>Justin Jefferson</span>, and <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a> all had 100-yard performances on the afternoon, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ defense stood up when it had to, allowing the Vikings to walk away with a 31-23 win, avoiding the team’s first 0-4 start since 2011.</p>
<p id="xH6Kon">The purple got on the board first in this one, thanks to a five-yard touchdown run from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> following a pair of three-and-outs forced by the Minnesota defense. <span>Dan Bailey</span> connected on the extra point, and the good guys went ahead by a score of 7-0 with about five minutes left in the first quarter.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cookin’ early <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/sB4A4K6pPE">pic.twitter.com/sB4A4K6pPE</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1312805943118266368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="fv4c5T">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> set themselves up nicely towards the end of the first quarter, as Houston’s <span>Andre Carter</span> fumbled on a punt return courtesy of a tackle by <span>Mike Boone</span>, with <span>Dan Chisena</span> recovering the loose ball at the Houston 35-yard line. They turned the turnover into a 31-yard <span>Dan Bailey</span> field goal to extend their lead to 10-0 early in the second quarter.</p>
<p id="KGVhMJ">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> followed that up with their best drive of the first half, but they were forced to settle for a 50-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn to cut the Minnesota lead to 10-3 midway through the second quarter.</p>
<p id="gNyQ01">Minnesota added to their lead on the ensuing drive on <span>Cook</span>’s second rushing touchdown of the day, this one a 7-yard beauty to make the lead 17-3 just after the two-minute warning.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/dalvincook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalvinCook</a> stiff-arms his way to his second TD! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKOL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SKOL</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsHOU</a> on FOX<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: <a href="https://t.co/wvEEn0SFTV">https://t.co/wvEEn0SFTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/OnMRvB11MV">pic.twitter.com/OnMRvB11MV</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1312817599315492864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="l1hMH9">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> added a field goal just before the half, a 28-yarder by Fairbairn to make the game 17-6 going into the locker room. The bigger story from that drive, however, was the ejection of <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a>’ safety <span>Harrison Smith</span> on a hit he put on Texans’ tight end Jordan Aikins on a long completion. That meant that the Vikings had to play the second half without their all-world safety.</p>
<p id="rEvXDz">Houston took advantage of <span>Smith</span>’s absence on their first possession of the second half, scoring their first touchdown on a 24-yard pass from <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">DeShaun Watson</a> to Will Fuller. Fairbairn hit the extra point, and the Minnesota lead was down to 17-13 just over five minutes into the third quarter.</p>
<p id="wV24Ez">After <span>Dan Bailey</span> missed a 55-yard field goal attempt, the Texans cut the lead to one on Fairbairn’s third field goal, this one a 25-yarder to make it 17-16 with just over five minutes remaining in the third quarter.</p>
<p id="vp155Y">Minnesota extended the lead on their next possession, courtesy of <span>Kirk Cousins</span> connecting with <span>Adam Thielen</span> on a nine-yard strike to push the lead back to eight at 24-16 just before the end of the third quarter.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk Cousins ➡️ Adam Thielen for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> touchdown <a href="https://t.co/JCY02RV54C">pic.twitter.com/JCY02RV54C</a></p>— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanBormanNFL/status/1312832019899060227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="FcGBiC">After forcing a three-and-out on the Texans’ next possession, the Vikings marched down the field again, with <span>Cousins</span> completing big passes to both Justin Jefferson and <span>Adam Thielen</span>. After Cook appeared to be injured (though he would later be okay), <span>Alexander Mattison</span> found the end zone for the first time this season, going in from four yards out to extend the Vikings’ lead to 31-16.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I believe this is the sort of hole <a href="https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@benbbaldwin</a> would talk about when going over some generational running backs <a href="https://t.co/9M57ZsTXxo">pic.twitter.com/9M57ZsTXxo</a></p>— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) <a href="https://twitter.com/riversmccown/status/1312835827135918083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="qAy5GV">The Vikings looked like they had the Texans on the ropes on their next possession, as the Texans were looking at a 4th-and-10 from the Minnesota 24. Watson, however, found a wide open <span>Kenny Stills</span> for a 24-yard strike to put the home team back to within a score a 31-23 with six minutes left in the contest.</p>
<p id="DLN6Yr">After punting the ball away, the game came down to one final play, as the Texans faced a fourth-and-goal from the Minnesota 5-yard line. Watson attempted to find Fuller in the back left corner of the end zone, and the play was initially ruled a touchdown catch. However, after review, it was determined that the ball hit the ground and was instead ruled an incomplete pass. The Vikings took a knee and escaped from NRG Stadium with their first victory of 2020.</p>
<p id="sxF97p">The offense was impressive for the second consecutive week, with <span>Dalvin Cook</span> leading the way. Cook rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries, taking over the NFL lead in rushing on the season. Alexander Mattison chipped in with 17 yards and a score on seven carries as well.</p>
<p id="wBaRdX">Not to be outdone, both of the Vikings’ primary receivers went over the 100-yard mark as well. Adam Thielen led the way with 114 yards and a touchdown on eight catches, while rookie Justin Jefferson put up his second straight 100-yard game with 103 yards on four grabs.</p>
<p id="HQWoRF">The Vikings move to 1-3 on the season, and will take to the road again next week when they battle the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a> on Sunday Night Football. The Texans fall to 0-4 and will host the <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> next weekend at NRG Stadium.</p>
<p id="cqmbBk">The Minnesota Vikings get their first victory of the 2020 season, besting the Houston Texans on the road by a final score of 31-23. Thank you to everyone that got their coverage of this week’s game right here at The Daily Norseman!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500715/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-final-score-game-recapChristopher Gates2020-10-04T14:13:23-05:002020-10-04T14:13:23-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: Third quarter recap and fourth quarter discussion
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w02pIJnp6JzQIlRHSVTPD2hcqHc=/0x14:2029x1367/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67579855/usa_today_15021010.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The good guys have a one-score lead going into the final quarter</p> <p id="7NrfV3">Fifteen minutes remain in this Week 4 matchup, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> are holding on to an eight-point lead over the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>, 24-16.</p>
<p id="tQ8iRZ">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> got the ball first coming out of the locker room, but quickly went three-and-out after <span>Kirk Cousins</span> was sacked for the second time this afternoon by Whitney Mercilus. That led to the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> getting their first touchdown of the afternoon, with <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">DeShaun Watson</a> finding Will Fuller on a 24-yard strike, with Ka’imi Fairbairn hitting the extra point to cut the Minnesota lead to 17-13 a little more than five minutes into the quarter.</p>
<p id="gvLbf6">The Vikings then moved into Houston territory on their next possession on a long pass from <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a>. The drive then stalled, and the Vikings brought in <span>Dan Bailey</span> for a 55-yard field goal attempt, which sailed wide to the right and gave the Texans very good field position.</p>
<p id="SMKoFT">Houston converted a field goal of their own, this one a 25-yarder by Ka’imi Fairbairn. His third field goal of the day cut the Minnesota lead to one at 17-16. Minnesota responded in style on their next drive, as Cousins made some outstanding passes on the drive and ended it with a 9-yard dart to <span>Adam Thielen</span> for the touchdown. <span>Bailey</span> added the extra point and the lead was back to eight at 24-16.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kirk Cousins ➡️ Adam Thielen for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vikings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vikings</a> touchdown <a href="https://t.co/JCY02RV54C">pic.twitter.com/JCY02RV54C</a></p>— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanBormanNFL/status/1312832019899060227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="U8waxw">As we move to the fourth quarter, the Texans are looking at a 3rd-and-4 from their own 31-yard line.</p>
<p id="tdhid2">We’ve got one quarter left from Houston, and the Vikings lead the Texans by a score of 24-16. Can they hang on for their first victory of 2020?</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500712/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-third-quarter-recap-fourth-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2020-10-04T13:26:24-05:002020-10-04T13:26:24-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: Second quarter recap and third quarter discussion
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<figcaption>Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Vikings lead, but they’ll be missing a key piece in the second half</p> <p id="xa05fc">The teams have gone into the locker room for halftime in Houston, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> lead the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> by a score of 17-6.</p>
<p id="LjB93V">Minnesota was deep into Houston territory to start the quarter and pushed into the red zone before having to settle for a 31-yard field goal from <span>Dan Bailey</span> to extend their lead to 10-0. Houston then got on the board with a 50-yard field goal from Ka’imi Fairbairn to cut the Minnesota lead to 10-3 halfway through the quarter.</p>
<p id="PWCzYm">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> then put together another very good possession, including a 4th-down conversion on a <span>Kirk Cousins</span> sweep, of all things.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KirkTheScrambler?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KirkTheScrambler</a> with Riley Reiff clearing the path <a href="https://t.co/scThsoGujq">pic.twitter.com/scThsoGujq</a></p>— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeanBormanNFL/status/1312816050015293440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="WGr6ym">On the first play after the two-minute warning, <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> added to the Vikings’ lead with his second touchdown of the day, this one a beauty from seven yards out to make the lead 17-3 after the <span>Dan Bailey</span> extra point.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/dalvincook?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DalvinCook</a> stiff-arms his way to his second TD! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SKOL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SKOL</a><br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MINvsHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MINvsHOU</a> on FOX<br> : NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: <a href="https://t.co/wvEEn0SFTV">https://t.co/wvEEn0SFTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/OnMRvB11MV">pic.twitter.com/OnMRvB11MV</a></p>— NFL (@NFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1312817599315492864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="x5AnMU">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> then put together another outstanding drive, and they got some help from the officiating as the officials ejected <span>Harrison Smith</span> for targeting on a hit he put on a Texans’ tight end Jordan Aikins. The drive ended with another field goal from Fairbairn to cut the Vikings’ lead to 17-6 going into the locker room.</p>
<p id="l1hMH9">The Vikings’ offense looked very good in the first half, for the most part, and they dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for nearly 20 minutes. <span>Dalvin Cook</span> has been the big story, carrying the ball 15 times for 60 yards and two scores. <span>Kirk Cousins</span> has completed 8-of-12 passes for 108 yards, and <span>Justin Jefferson</span> has picked up where he left off last week, catching two passes for 55 yards to lead the way.</p>
<p id="zjlG5J">The Vikings lead the Texans 17-6 at halftime at NRG Stadium, and they will get the football coming out of the locker room at halftime. Come join us for the third quarter of play!</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500710/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-second-quarter-recap-third-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2020-10-04T12:40:20-05:002020-10-04T12:40:20-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: First quarter recap and second quarter discussion
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<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Dkvw2ePL0GSBRi-6OysYTsCzWdM=/0x38:3542x2399/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67579496/usa_today_15020786.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Vikings have a lead and are pushing for more</p> <p id="yfLNfJ">We’ve finished the first quarter at NRG Stadium in Houston, and the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> lead the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> by a score of 7-0.</p>
<p id="xkxsQq">The <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> won the coin toss and elected to defer to the second half, giving <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">DeShaun Watson</a> and company the football first. The Vikings’ defense forced a three-and-out on the first drive and got the ball to their offense in short order. Minnesota pushed to midfield on their opening possession, but <span>Kirk Cousins</span> was sacked by <span>Whitney Mercilus</span> to end the drive.</p>
<p id="1jAv2F">Houston went three-and-out on their second possession as well, thanks to a sack from rookie <span>D.J. Wonnum</span>, and the Vikings started their second possession near midfield. They took advantage of the good field position, as <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a> went in from five yards out to give Minnesota the lead! <span>Dan Bailey</span> connected on the extra point, and the Vikings went ahead 7-0 with five minutes remaining.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cookin’ early <br><br> : <a href="https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLonFOX</a> <a href="https://t.co/sB4A4K6pPE">pic.twitter.com/sB4A4K6pPE</a></p>— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vikings/status/1312805943118266368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 4, 2020</a>
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<p id="GPYxvB">Minnesota forced another punt on the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>’ next possession, though Houston did convert a first down, and started at their own 20 after a touchback on the <span>Bryan Anger</span> punt. The Vikings went three and out on their next possession, but the return was fumbled by <span>Andre Carter</span> and <span>Dan Chisena</span> recovered at the Houston 35.</p>
<p id="qyu4JT">As we move to the third quarter, the Vikings are looking at a 3rd-and-2 from the Houston 27-yard line.</p>
<p id="ivkPqK">We’re done with one quarter in this one, and the Vikings lead the Texans by a score of 7-0. Come join us for the second quarter of play from Houston!</p>
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https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500709/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-first-quarter-recap-second-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2020-10-04T11:00:00-05:002020-10-04T11:00:00-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: Key information and first quarter discussion
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<img alt="NFL: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yvt65sFIlVPn_nczheU7GaWiSSU=/0x0:2255x1503/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67579134/usa_today_14991336.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let’s see if the Vikings can avoid 0-4</p> <p id="x8Z3F0">After a little bit of a crazy week, it’s time for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> to once again get back to the business of football, as they try to avoid starting 0-4 for just the fifth time in team history as they take on the only team they’ve never lost to, the 0-3 <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>.</p>
<p id="1DPAa4">Here is everything you need to know about today’s game.</p>
<p id="CQoCxc"><strong>Date and Time</strong>: Sunday, 4 October, 2020, noon Central time</p>
<p id="NIS8fB"><strong>Location</strong>: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas</p>
<p id="359hxJ"><strong>Television Coverage</strong>: KSTP-9 in the Twin Cities, FOX affiliates around the country, DirecTV Channel 713</p>
<p id="It3MeL"><strong>Radio Coverage</strong>: <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> Radio Network, Sirius Channel 83, XM Channel 383</p>
<p id="6Z29Fl"><strong>Line</strong>: Vikings +3.5, Over/Under 53.5</p>
<p id="jrgM5Z"><strong>Chris’ Prediction</strong>: Vikings 28, <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> 27</p>
<p id="VcY9Tm"><strong>Three Keys</strong></p>
<p id="3AM9ma"><strong>1) Contain </strong><a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/30/20841565/deshaun-watson-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019"><strong>DeShaun Watson</strong></a> - Watson is on the short list of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks, and is exactly the kind of signal caller that usually gives the Vikings trouble with his mobility and ability to get things done on the move. The Vikings’ pass rush has been basically non-existent so far this season, but that’s going to have to change this afternoon with Watson on the other side.</p>
<p id="IRejv6"><strong>2) Keep the offense balanced</strong> - The Vikings kept things very balanced on offense last week with 226 yards on the ground and 238 through the air. While the Vikings should be able to exploit the Texans’ run defense, they can’t forget about <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a>, <span>Justin Jefferson</span>, and the pass game. Houston will likely be keying on <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838555/dalvin-cook-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Dalvin Cook</a>, and <span>Kirk Cousins</span> should be able to take advantage of that through the air.</p>
<p id="x1kFz6"><strong>3) Avoid the big play</strong> - The Vikings had several plays against the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> that saw them give up huge chunks of yardage and allowed the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Titans</a> to get back into the game when it looked like they had momentum. The Texans have a pair of fast wideouts in <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/31/20837218/brandin-cooks-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Brandin Cooks</a> and Will Fuller, and the Vikings’ young secondary is going to have their hands full.</p>
<p id="hkAcC2"><strong>Know the Foe</strong>: <a href="http://www.battleredblog.com">Battle Red Blog</a></p>
<p id="qlD3pN"><strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/dailynorseman">@DailyNorseman</a></p>
<p id="TZVIkH"><strong>FaceBook</strong>: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedailynorseman">https://www.facebook.com/thedailynorseman</a></p>
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<p id="XKnDWt">Again, we’ll stay with the quarterly Open Threads, so keep an eye out for those and move the discussion accordingly.</p>
<p id="IukrXU">With that, here’s hoping that turning the calendar to October will lead to new and better things for the purple, as a loss today will pretty much put an end to the competitive portion of the 2020 season at the quarter pole. While some people might be okay with that, I, quite frankly, am not, and I’m guessing the Vikings’ players wouldn’t be, either. So, here’s hoping we can all celebrate a win in a few hours.</p>
<p id="dEUtKy">SKOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL VIKINGS!!!!</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500700/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-key-information-first-quarter-discussionChristopher Gates2020-10-04T10:35:52-05:002020-10-04T10:35:52-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: Inactive Lists for both teams
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Minnesota Vikings-Training Camp" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/96xPKXvgJyB8HTxCoNGlHxK1a6I=/0x155:1611x1229/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67579038/usa_today_14750461.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who will be sitting out today?</p> <p id="CTClUG">We are at ninety minutes to kickoff at NRG Stadium in Houston, and both the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a> and <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> have released their inactive lists for this Sunday’s contest. Let’s take a look at who will be watching this one in street clothes.</p>
<p id="F76QQX">We start, as always, with the visiting team.</p>
<h4 id="7wSsEp"><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a></h4>
<ul>
<li id="MpGYRj">CB <span>Kris Boyd</span>
</li>
<li id="1Y5CYR">CB <span>Mike Hughes</span>
</li>
<li id="xZ8OSu">DT <span>James Lynch</span>
</li>
<li id="PbI3R2">WR <span>Tajae Sharpe</span>
</li>
<li id="I7Gvtx">OT <span>Oli Udoh</span>
</li>
<li id="egzxNY">DE <span>Eddie Yarbrough</span>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="Cd3Yk1">The big news for the Vikings is the return of cornerback <span>Cameron Dantzler</span>, who has missed the last two weeks with a rib injury. He and fellow rookie <span>Jeff Gladney</span> will see plenty of the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>’ receivers in this one, along with <span>Holton Hill</span>.</p>
<p id="jwMZ7z">And now, on to the home team.</p>
<h4 id="qa24BO">Houston Texans</h4>
<ul>
<li id="m91rx7">CB <span>Cornell Armstrong</span>
</li>
<li id="avlvA3">WR <span>Keke Coutee</span>
</li>
<li id="yArBM2">FB <span>Cullen Gillaspia</span>
</li>
<li id="cBgo4E">OT <span>Charlie Heck</span>
</li>
<li id="NzN0ay">LB <span>Peter Kalambayi</span>
</li>
</ul>
<p id="Aw17jf">Gillaspia and <span>Kalambayi</span> were the two players that the Texans had listed as “questionable” on their injury report for this week, and they’re both out for this one. No real surprises on the injury report for the Texans in this one, it wouldn’t appear.</p>
<p id="puaHaD">Those are your inactive lists for both sides of this matchup, folks. We’ll have your first Open Thread of the afternoon dropping at approximately 11:00 AM Central.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/4/21500717/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-inactive-listsChristopher Gates2020-10-03T16:36:31-05:002020-10-03T16:36:31-05:00Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans: ALL THE COVERAGE~!
<figure>
<img alt="NFL: Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HMRZZir81ard7TRzUu71x0tsMMU=/0x0:2928x1952/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67576844/usa_today_14991352.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>How can you follow along with all the action?</p> <p id="XDWqFZ">COVID-19 be damned, apparently, we’re getting close to kickoff in Houston for the epic battle of 0-3 teams between the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> and your <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. Both of these teams have completely fallen short of expectations to this point in the season, but one of them. . .at least in theory. . .could potentially give their fans a little bit of hope tomorrow.</p>
<p id="JFHz0D">So, how can you follow along with all of the action? Let’s lay it all out here for you.</p>
<h4 id="YOoX1M">Television Info</h4>
<p id="QtasEs">For the fourth consecutive week, the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> will be kicking things off at the single greatest time for NFL football to start, that being <strong>noon Sunday</strong>. That streak will come to an end next week when they play on Sunday Night Football. The game will be aired on FOX, which is KSTP-9 in the Twin Cities, and the play-by-play will be handled by the same team that did the opener with Chris Myers and <span>Greg Jennings</span> on the call.</p>
<p id="uGgChR">If you’re not sure whether or not you’re in the local broadcast area for Sunday’s game, here’s the broadcast map from the good folks at 506 Sports. The Vikings/<a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> game is shown in green.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vIy8XXcli_CjRkVEIdrru431WZE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21934550/Week_4.png">
</figure>
<p id="z1y5xB">If you’ll be using the DirecTV Sunday Ticket package to watch this one, you’re going to want to point your receiver towards <strong>Channel 713</strong>.</p>
<p id="uvVa8e">For our men and women serving in uniform overseas. . .well, you’re out of luck this week, as the American Forces Network has decided that this game isn’t worth showing at all. Not live, not on a replay, not at all. Sorry about that.</p>
<h4 id="A0tLdC">Radio Info</h4>
<p id="XssFy6">Once again, the <a href="https://www.vikings.com/audio/radio-network"><strong>Vikings Radio Network</strong></a> and all of its affiliates will be bringing you live broadcasts of every Vikings game for 2020. If you’re traveling around an area where there’s an affiliate or you just prefer the radio to the television, check out their site and find the affiliate in your area.</p>
<p id="kqupAV">For those with satellite radio, you can find the Vikings feed for this contest on either <strong>Sirius Channel 83 </strong>or <strong>XM Channel 383</strong>. (Honestly, I’ve got a Sirius radio. . .I didn’t know the XM Channels went that high.) If you’re using the SiriusXM app, the Vikings’ permanent home there can be found on <strong>Channel 820</strong>.</p>
<h4 id="V0TA3j">Referee Info</h4>
<p id="YhNNvO">The gang at <a href="http://www.footballzebras.com/2020/09/week-4-referee-assignments-2020/">Football Zebras</a> informs us that Sunday’s officiating crew will be led by Brad Rogers. This is Rogers’ second season as a head NFL referee and his second time being involved with the Vikings. His crew handled the Vikings’ 42-30 victory over the <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> at Ford Field last season.</p>
<h4 id="41qWrJ">Weather Info</h4>
<p id="3oqjnZ">Since I believe. . .and I might be wrong on this. . .that the roof is going to be open at NRG Stadium on Sunday, the weather will play a role for the teams on the field and the (up to) 15,000 people in attendance. If that’s the case, according to our friends at <a href="https://www.weathernationtv.com/forecast/us/texas/houston/">WeatherNation</a>, it’s going to be a warm one. Temperatures at kickoff will be right around 80 degrees with sunny skies and some light winds out of the north.</p>
<h4 id="oEaBve">Streaming Info</h4>
<p id="jttJfA">Since this is a FOX game, there aren’t any legal streaming options on their site or anything for this one. I believe a lot of the cord-cutting services offer some sort of streaming option, and there’s always <a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https://gamepass.nfl.com/packages&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/9/12/21433969/green-bay-packers-minnesota-vikings-game-time-channel-radio-streaming&xcust=___sb__e_21210784__r_dailynorseman.com/archives__t" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>NFL GamePass</strong></a> if you don’t have any of those. Heck, you can even get Sunday Ticket on your PlayStation or XBox, if nothing else.</p>
<p id="ZqD1o1">In the spirit of the legendary Bob Casey, there will be no illegal streams here on the Daily Norseman. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO illegal streams here on the Daily Norseman. Promoting such things is grounds for an immediate and permanent ban. Don’t be one of those troll accounts that we get here every so often that we ban across the entire platform.</p>
<p id="5DqQAU">That should be all of the relevant information you need to follow all of the action from NRG Stadium on Sunday afternoon between the Houston Texans and your Minnesota Vikings. As always, the Game Threads will start flowing approximately an hour before kickoff, so we hope to see you here then.</p>
https://www.dailynorseman.com/2020/10/3/21500361/minnesota-vikings-houston-texans-game-time-channel-radio-streamingChristopher Gates