Quick answer
- Winner
- Minnesota Vikings
- Final score
- Minnesota Vikings 31–23 Houston Texans
- Halftime
- Minnesota Vikings 17–6 Houston Texans at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Jordan Jefferson
- Top passer
- Desmond Watson
- Biggest EPA play
- (1:18) 2-B.Colquitt punts 42 yards to HOU 34, Center-58-A.Cutting. 14-D.Carter to HOU 39 f…
- Game date
- 2020-10-04
Game summary
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 31–23 on 2020-10-04. Jordan Jefferson posted a game-high +8.67 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 17 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minnesota Vikings | 7 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 31 |
 Houston Texans | 0 | 6 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
MINMinnesota Vikings
(5:11) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
(12:45) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
(8:50) 7-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(2:00) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
(:30) 7-K.Fairbairn 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(9:52) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep left to 15-W.Fuller for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(5:33) 7-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
(:46) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-26-V.Hargreaves, Defensive Holding, declined.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
(10:54) 25-A.Mattison right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
(5:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 12-K.Stills for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
HOUHouston TexansFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 5:11TD Dylan CookPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 5
- Score
- 6-0
(5:11) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 5:05XP Points+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 7-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 12:45FG Points+3
- Yard line
- HOU 13
- Score
- 10-0
(12:45) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 8:50FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 32
- Score
- 10-3
(8:50) 7-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 2:00TD Dylan CookPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 7
- Score
- 16-3
(2:00) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q2 1:53XP Points+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 17-3
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q2 0:30FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 10
- Score
- 17-6
(:30) 7-K.Fairbairn 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 9:52TD WFW. FullerPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 24
- Score
- 17-12
(9:52) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep left to 15-W.Fuller for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 9:47XP Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 17-13
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q3 5:33FG Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+3
- Yard line
- MIN 7
- Score
- 17-16
(5:33) 7-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 0:46TD Adam ThielenPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 9
- Score
- 23-16
(:46) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-26-V.Hargreaves, Defensive Holding, declined.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 0:41XP Points+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 24-16
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 10:54TD Alexander MattisonPoints+6
- Yard line
- HOU 4
- Score
- 30-16
(10:54) 25-A.Mattison right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 10:50XP Points+1
- Yard line
- HOU 15
- Score
- 31-16
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 5:59TD KSK. StillsPoints+6
- Yard line
- MIN 24
- Score
- 31-22
(5:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 12-K.Stills for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- HOUHouston Texans
Q4 5:52XP Ka'imi FairbairnPoints+1
- Yard line
- MIN 15
- Score
- 31-23
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1
Jordan Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +8.67 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.73 EPA/play - 2
Kirk Cousins · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +6.70 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.25 EPA/play - 3
Desmond Watson · Houston Texans · Passing · +6.52 total EPA · 42 snaps · +0.16 EPA/play - 4Dylan Cook · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +6.18 total EPA · 27 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
- 5W. Fuller · Houston Texans · Receiving · +6.08 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.87 EPA/play
- 6Adam Thielen · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +5.76 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 7
Jordan Akins · Houston Texans · Receiving · +3.72 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.24 EPA/play - 8K. Stills · Houston Texans · Receiving · +3.64 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.91 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Jordan Jefferson — MIN · Receiving
Jordan Jefferson posted the highest total EPA (+8.67) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 5 counted snaps, they averaged +1.73 EPA per play.
Jordan Jefferson's top snap (+2.98 EPA): (3:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson to HOU 39 for 23 yards (32-L.Johnson) [23-E.Murray].
Biggest single play (+5.36 EPA): B. Colquitt — (1:18) 2-B.Colquitt punts 42 yards to HOU 34, Center-58-A.Cutting. 14-D.Carter to HOU 39 for 5 yards (23-M.Boone). FUMBLES (23-M.Boone), RECOVERED by MIN-85-D.Chisena at HOU 35. 85-D.Chisena to HOU 35
Quarterback report card
Desmond Watson led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- Desmond Watson (Houston Texans) · 42 dropbacks · 47.6% completion · -2.6% CPOE · +0.16 EPA/play · +6.52 total EPA
- Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) · 27 dropbacks · 59.3% completion · +19.2% CPOE · +0.25 EPA/play · +6.70 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Minnesota Vikings | Houston Texans |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.173 | +0.040 |
| Offensive success rate | 49.4% | 48.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.248 | +0.155 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.196 | -0.203 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.040 | -0.173 |
| Defensive success rate | 51.2% | 50.6% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Despite the final score, Minnesota Vikings generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.17 vs +0.04), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Minnesota Vikings: +0.17 EPA/play (82nd percentile vs. 2020 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: +0.04 EPA/play (53rd percentile vs. 2020 team-game averages)
- Houston Texans: 10 drives, +3.26 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Minnesota Vikings: 12 drives, +14.37 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Minnesota Vikings — Dylan Cook
- Minnesota Vikings — Dylan Cook
- Houston Texans — W. Fuller (Desmond Watson pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — Adam Thielen (Kirk Cousins pass)
- Minnesota Vikings — Alexander Mattison
- Houston Texans — K. Stills (Desmond Watson pass)
Field goals
- Minnesota Vikings — Dominic Bailey
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
- Houston Texans — Ka'imi Fairbairn
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 7–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 5 (Q1 5:11) — (5:11) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 5:05) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt..
The second quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 10–6. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the HOU 13 (Q2 12:45) — (12:45) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the MIN 32 (Q2 8:50) — (8:50) 7-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 7 (Q2 2:00) — (2:00) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q2 1:53) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the MIN 10 (Q2 0:30) — (:30) 7-K.Fairbairn 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The third quarter: Houston Texans won the period 10–7. Houston Texans found the end zone from the MIN 24 (Q3 9:52) — (9:52) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep left to 15-W.Fuller for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 9:47) — 7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Houston Texans connected on a field goal from the MIN 7 (Q3 5:33) — (5:33) 7-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 9 (Q3 0:46) — (:46) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-26-V.Hargreaves, Defensive Holding, declined.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q3 0:41) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt..
The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 4 (Q4 10:54) — (10:54) 25-A.Mattison right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 10:50) — 5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the MIN 24 (Q4 5:59) — (5:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 12-K.Stills for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q4 5:52) — 7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Houston Texans (Q3 6:59) — (6:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 15-W.Fuller to MIN 8 for 43 yards (20-J.Gladney).
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 1:18) — (1:18) 2-B.Colquitt punts 42 yards to HOU 34, Center-58-A.Cutting. 14-D.Carter to HOU 39 for 5 yards (23-M.Boone). FUMBLES (23-M.Boone), RECOVERED by MIN-85-D.Chisena at HOU 35. 85-D.Chisena to HOU 35
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 3:31) — (3:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson to HOU 39 for 23 yards (32-L.Johnson) [23-E.Murray].
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 0:46) — (:46) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-26-V.Hargreaves, Defensive Holding, declined.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 7:29) — (7:29) 5-D.Bailey 55 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q1 1:18) — (1:18) 2-B.Colquitt punts 42 yards to HOU 34, Center-58-A.Cutting. 14-D.Carter to HOU 39 for 5 yards (23-M.Boone). FUMBLES (23-M.Boone), RECOVERED by MIN-85-D.Chisena at HOU 35. 85-D.Chisena to HOU 35
- Houston Texans (Q4 5:59) — (5:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 12-K.Stills for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Minnesota Vikings (Q3 7:29) — (7:29) 5-D.Bailey 55 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt.
- Houston Texans (Q4 1:18) — (1:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson FUMBLES (Aborted) at MIN 6, recovered by HOU-31-Da.Johnson at MIN 5. 31-Da.Johnson to MIN 5 for no gain (43-G.Iloka).
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 5:11 · HOU 5 · Score 6-0
(5:11) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 5:05 · HOU 15 · Score 7-0
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q2 12:45 · HOU 13 · Score 10-0
(12:45) 5-D.Bailey 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 8:50 · MIN 32 · Score 10-3
(8:50) 7-K.Fairbairn 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q2 2:00 · HOU 7 · Score 16-3
(2:00) 33-D.Cook up the middle for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q2 1:53 · HOU 15 · Score 17-3
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q2 0:30 · MIN 10 · Score 17-6
(:30) 7-K.Fairbairn 28 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 9:52 · MIN 24 · Score 17-12
(9:52) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep left to 15-W.Fuller for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q3 9:47 · MIN 15 · Score 17-13
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Houston Texans FG (+3) — Q3 5:33 · MIN 7 · Score 17-16
(5:33) 7-K.Fairbairn 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 0:46 · HOU 9 · Score 23-16
(:46) 8-K.Cousins pass short middle to 19-A.Thielen for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on HOU-26-V.Hargreaves, Defensive Holding, declined. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 0:41 · HOU 15 · Score 24-16
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 10:54 · HOU 4 · Score 30-16
(10:54) 25-A.Mattison right guard for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 10:50 · HOU 15 · Score 31-16
5-D.Bailey extra point is GOOD, Center-58-A.Cutting, Holder-2-B.Colquitt. - Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q4 5:59 · MIN 24 · Score 31-22
(5:59) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep right to 12-K.Stills for 24 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q4 5:52 · MIN 15 · Score 31-23
7-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Minnesota Vikings earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- Jordan Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Kirk Cousins (MIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans on 2020-10-04?
The Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 31-23 in Week 4, 2020.
What was the score by quarter in Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans?
Q1: Minnesota Vikings 7, Houston Texans 0; Q2: Minnesota Vikings 10, Houston Texans 6; Q3: Minnesota Vikings 7, Houston Texans 10; Q4: Minnesota Vikings 7, Houston Texans 7; Final: Minnesota Vikings 31, Houston Texans 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans?
Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q1 5:11) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — D. Cook (Q2 2:00) Houston Texans touchdown — W. Fuller (D. Watson pass) (Q3 9:52) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Thielen (K. Cousins pass) (Q3 0:46) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Mattison (Q4 10:54) Houston Texans touchdown — K. Stills (D. Watson pass) (Q4 5:59) Minnesota Vikings field goal — D. Bailey (Q2 12:45, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 8:50, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q2 0:30, 3 pts) Houston Texans field goal — K. Fairbairn (Q3 5:33, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans?
Desmond Watson (Houston Texans), 47.6% completion, -2.6% CPOE, +0.16 EPA per dropback, +6.52 total passing EPA. Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings), 59.3% completion, +19.2% CPOE, +0.25 EPA per dropback, +6.70 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans?
Jordan Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.67 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 5 snaps. Their top snap (+2.98 EPA): (3:31) (Shotgun) 8-K.Cousins pass deep right to 18-J.Jefferson to HOU 39 for 23 yards (32-L.Johnson) [23-E.Murray]..
Season records after this game
Minnesota Vikings
Entered 0-3 Now 1-3 W
Houston Texans
Entered 0-3 Now 0-4 L
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