Texans 7–34 Vikings: Score, Stats & Recap | Week 3, 2024

Q: How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

C. Stroud (Houston Texans), 48.8% completion, -5.7% CPOE, -0.31 EPA per dropback, -12.53 total passing EPA. S. Darnold (Minnesota Vikings), 48.6% completion, +1.0% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +4.82 total passing EPA.

Q: Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

S. Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.82 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+2.54 EPA): (12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Quick answer

Winner: Minnesota Vikings
Final score: Minnesota Vikings 34–7 Houston Texans
Halftime: Halftime score unavailable
FantasyHQ MVP: Sam Darnold
Top passer: C.J. Stroud
Biggest EPA play: (14:35) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle intended for 3-T.Dell INTERCEPTED by 54-K.G…
Game date: 2024-09-22

Game summary

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 34–7 on 2024-09-22. Sam Darnold posted a game-high +4.82 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q3	Q4	—	—	T
Houston Texans	0	7	0	0	0	7
Minnesota Vikings	14	7	13	0	0	34

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

HOUHouston Texans

MIN 8

+1MIN 15

+3HOU 40

MINMinnesota Vikings

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

12 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 12:10TD
Jordan Jefferson
Points+6
Yard line
HOU 6
Score
0-6
(12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 12:03XP
Will Reichard
Points+1
Yard line
HOU 15
Score
0-7
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 1:13TD
Andre Jones Jr.
Points+6
Yard line
HOU 8
Score
0-13
(1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 33-A.Jones for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q1 1:08XP
Will Reichard
Points+1
Yard line
HOU 15
Score
0-14
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 10:26TD
Jalen Nailor
Points+6
Yard line
HOU 4
Score
0-20
(10:26) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short right to 83-J.Nailor for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q3 10:22XP
Will Reichard
Points+1
Yard line
HOU 15
Score
0-21
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
HOUHouston Texans
Q3 4:00TD
Cam Akers
Points+6
Yard line
MIN 8
Score
6-21
(4:00) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 22-C.Akers for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
HOUHouston Texans
Q3 3:56XP
Ka'imi Fairbairn
Points+1
Yard line
MIN 15
Score
7-21
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 14:57FG
Will Reichard
Points+3
Yard line
HOU 17
Score
7-24
(14:57) 16-W.Reichard 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 10:16TD
Johnny Mundt
Points+6
Yard line
HOU 2
Score
7-30
(10:16) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short middle to 86-J.Mundt for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 10:14XP
Will Reichard
Points+1
Yard line
HOU 15
Score
7-31
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
MINMinnesota Vikings
Q4 4:48FG
Will Reichard
Points+3
Yard line
HOU 40
Score
7-34
(4:48) 16-W.Reichard 58 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1Sam Darnold · Minnesota Vikings · Passing · +4.82 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.14 EPA/play
2Jordan Jefferson · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.80 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
3Andre Jones Jr. · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +4.61 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
4Stefon Diggs · Houston Texans · Receiving · +3.57 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
5Stefon Diggs · Houston Texans · Passing · +2.76 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.76 EPA/play
6Jalen Nailor · Minnesota Vikings · Receiving · +2.76 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.69 EPA/play
7Andre Jones Jr. · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +2.21 total EPA · 19 snaps · +0.12 EPA/play
8Jalen Nailor · Minnesota Vikings · Rushing · +1.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.96 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

Sam Darnold — MIN · Passing

Sam Darnold posted the highest total EPA (+4.82) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Minnesota Vikings. Across 35 counted snaps, they averaged +0.14 EPA per play.

Sam Darnold's top snap (+2.54 EPA): (12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-5.30 EPA): C.J. Stroud — (14:35) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle intended for 3-T.Dell INTERCEPTED by 54-K.Grugier-Hill (97-H.Phillips) at HOU 26. 54-K.Grugier-Hill to HOU 21 for 5 yards (12-N.Collins; 22-C.Akers).

Quarterback report card

C.J. Stroud led all passers in efficiency for Houston Texans, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans) · 41 dropbacks · 48.8% completion · -5.7% CPOE · -0.31 EPA/play · -12.53 total EPA
Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) · 35 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +1.0% CPOE · +0.14 EPA/play · +4.82 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	Houston Texans	Minnesota Vikings
Offensive EPA/play	-0.262	+0.120
Offensive success rate	33.7%	49.4%
Pass EPA/play	-0.201	+0.138
Rush EPA/play	-0.341	+0.043
Defensive EPA/play	-0.120	+0.262
Defensive success rate	50.6%	66.3%

Drive & efficiency notes

Minnesota Vikings held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.12 vs -0.26), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

Houston Texans: -0.26 EPA/play (5th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)
Minnesota Vikings: +0.12 EPA/play (76th percentile vs. 2024 team-game averages)

Houston Texans: 11 drives, -22.52 total EPA, 1 scoring drives
Minnesota Vikings: 11 drives, +9.47 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

Minnesota Vikings — Jordan Jefferson (Sam Darnold pass) (Q1 12:10)
Minnesota Vikings — Andre Jones Jr. (Sam Darnold pass) (Q1 1:13)
Minnesota Vikings — Jalen Nailor (Sam Darnold pass) (Q3 10:26)
Houston Texans — Cam Akers (C.J. Stroud pass) (Q3 4:00)
Minnesota Vikings — Johnny Mundt (Sam Darnold pass) (Q4 10:16)

Field goals

Minnesota Vikings — Will Reichard (Q4 14:57)
Minnesota Vikings — Will Reichard (Q4 4:48)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 14–0. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 6 (Q1 12:10) — (12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 12:03) — 16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 8 (Q1 1:13) — (1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 33-A.Jones for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q1 1:08) — 16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright..

The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 4 (Q3 10:26) — (10:26) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short right to 83-J.Nailor for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q3 10:22) — 16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Houston Texans found the end zone from the MIN 8 (Q3 4:00) — (4:00) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 22-C.Akers for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Houston Texans added 1 points from the MIN 15 (Q3 3:56) — 15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend..

The fourth quarter: Minnesota Vikings won the period 13–0. Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the HOU 17 (Q4 14:57) — (14:57) 16-W.Reichard 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings found the end zone from the HOU 2 (Q4 10:16) — (10:16) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short middle to 86-J.Mundt for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Minnesota Vikings added 1 points from the HOU 15 (Q4 10:14) — 16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.; Minnesota Vikings connected on a field goal from the HOU 40 (Q4 4:48) — (4:48) 16-W.Reichard 58 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Houston Texans (Q1 14:35) — (14:35) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle intended for 3-T.Dell INTERCEPTED by 54-K.Grugier-Hill (97-H.Phillips) at HOU 26. 54-K.Grugier-Hill to HOU 21 for 5 yards (12-N.Collins; 22-C.Akers). [WPA -12.7% · EPA -5.30]
Houston Texans (Q1 6:51) — (6:51) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 86-D.Schultz to MIN 35 for 3 yards (44-J.Metellus). [WPA +6.4% · EPA +3.27]
Houston Texans (Q1 5:25) — (5:25) 7-C.Stroud sacked at MIN 36 for -10 yards (58-J.Greenard). [WPA -6.3% · EPA -2.58]
Minnesota Vikings (Q1 12:10) — (12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +5.4% · EPA +2.54]
Houston Texans (Q1 4:36) — (4:36) 15-K.Fairbairn 54 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend. [WPA -5.1% · EPA -4.05]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Houston Texans (Q1 14:35) — (14:35) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short middle intended for 3-T.Dell INTERCEPTED by 54-K.Grugier-Hill (97-H.Phillips) at HOU 26. 54-K.Grugier-Hill to HOU 21 for 5 yards (12-N.Collins; 22-C.Akers). [WPA -12.7% · EPA -5.30]
Houston Texans (Q3 5:27) — (5:27) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass deep left to 12-N.Collins to MIN 13 for 34 yards (7-B.Murphy). [WPA +1.9% · EPA +4.07]
Houston Texans (Q1 4:36) — (4:36) 15-K.Fairbairn 54 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend. [WPA -5.1% · EPA -4.05]
Houston Texans (Q1 6:51) — (6:51) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 86-D.Schultz to MIN 35 for 3 yards (44-J.Metellus). [WPA +6.4% · EPA +3.27]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 12:10 · HOU 6 · Score 0-6
(12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 12:03 · HOU 15 · Score 0-7
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q1 1:13 · HOU 8 · Score 0-13
(1:13) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 33-A.Jones for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q1 1:08 · HOU 15 · Score 0-14
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q3 10:26 · HOU 4 · Score 0-20
(10:26) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short right to 83-J.Nailor for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q3 10:22 · HOU 15 · Score 0-21
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
Houston Texans TD (+6) — Q3 4:00 · MIN 8 · Score 6-21
(4:00) (Shotgun) 7-C.Stroud pass short right to 22-C.Akers for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Houston Texans XP (+1) — Q3 3:56 · MIN 15 · Score 7-21
15-K.Fairbairn extra point is GOOD, Center-46-J.Weeks, Holder-6-T.Townsend.
Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 14:57 · HOU 17 · Score 7-24
(14:57) 16-W.Reichard 35 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
Minnesota Vikings TD (+6) — Q4 10:16 · HOU 2 · Score 7-30
(10:16) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short middle to 86-J.Mundt for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Minnesota Vikings XP (+1) — Q4 10:14 · HOU 15 · Score 7-31
16-W.Reichard extra point is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.
Minnesota Vikings FG (+3) — Q4 4:48 · HOU 40 · Score 7-34
(4:48) 16-W.Reichard 58 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-A.DePaola, Holder-17-R.Wright.

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.
Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
C.J. Stroud (HOU) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings on 2024-09-22?

The Minnesota Vikings beat the Houston Texans 34-7 in Week 3, 2024.

What was the score by quarter in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

Q1: Houston Texans 0, Minnesota Vikings 14; Q3: Houston Texans 7, Minnesota Vikings 7; Q4: Houston Texans 0, Minnesota Vikings 13; Final: Houston Texans 7, Minnesota Vikings 34.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Jefferson (S. Darnold pass) (Q1 12:10) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — A. Jones (S. Darnold pass) (Q1 1:13) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Nailor (S. Darnold pass) (Q3 10:26) Houston Texans touchdown — C. Akers (C. Stroud pass) (Q3 4:00) Minnesota Vikings touchdown — J. Mundt (S. Darnold pass) (Q4 10:16) Minnesota Vikings field goal — W. Reichard (Q4 14:57, 3 pts) Minnesota Vikings field goal — W. Reichard (Q4 4:48, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans), 48.8% completion, -5.7% CPOE, -0.31 EPA per dropback, -12.53 total passing EPA. Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings), 48.6% completion, +1.0% CPOE, +0.14 EPA per dropback, +4.82 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings?

Sam Darnold (Minnesota Vikings) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +4.82 total EPA on Passing plays. across 35 snaps. Their top snap (+2.54 EPA): (12:10) (Shotgun) 14-S.Darnold pass short left to 18-J.Jefferson for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

Houston Texans

Entered 2-0 Now 2-1 L

Minnesota Vikings

Entered 2-0 Now 3-0 W

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings: 2024 Week 3 Recap

Top fantasy performers · Texans

Top fantasy performers · Vikings

Quick answer

Game summary