As the Houston Texans prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, one glaring fact looms over the matchup: the Texans are 0-6 all-time against the Vikings. While history hasn’t been kind to Houston in this series, this game comes with several intriguing storylines that could make it one for the ages. Among the most notable is the number of players now on opposite sides. Both linebacker Blake Cashman and defensive end Jonathan Greenard, who were key figures for the Texans last season, signed with the Vikings in free agency during the offseason. However, one of the biggest offseason moves for Houston was the signing of Danielle Hunter. The Houston native from Katy, Texas, spent the last eight seasons with the Vikings, where he posted 16.5 sacks last year alone. Known for his elite pass-rushing ability, Hunter now has the chance to wreak havoc on his former team in front of a home crowd. His addition brings a game-changing element to the Texans’ defense, making them a threat against any offensive line.
Wide receiver Stefon Diggs also adds intrigue to this matchup. After an offseason trade brought him to the Texans from the Buffalo Bills, Diggs will now face the team that drafted him and where he spent his first five years. His legacy with the Vikings includes the unforgettable "Minneapolis Miracle," a game-winning touchdown catch in the 2018 divisional round that solidified his place in Vikings lore. Adding to this, the quarterback who threw that iconic pass, Case Keenum, is back with the Texans after a previous stint but is currently on injured reserve (IR). On the Vikings' side, cornerback Shaquill Griffin, a former Texan, also adds an extra layer to this web of connections.
Coaching Ties and Shared Offensive Philosophies
Beyond the player connections, this game also features some fascinating coaching ties. Both the Texans and Vikings employ variations of the same offensive philosophy rooted in the "Shanahan tree." Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, who led his team to a playoff victory in just his first year last year, employs a zone-running scheme inspired by his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, another Shanahan disciple, is the man implementing this scheme and has fully embraced this system, tailoring the offense to create dynamic rushing and passing lanes.
Interestingly, Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell also comes from the same coaching lineage. O’Connell spent time as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay, another prominent figure from the Shanahan tree. As a result, both teams run remarkably similar zone-based offenses. To make matters even more intriguing, the Vikings played the San Francisco 49ers just last week, winning 23-17 in a stunning upset. Given the schematic similarities between the Texans and the 49ers, O'Connell’s team will have some familiarity with the Texans’ approach. This could be an advantage, but it also means the Texans have a blueprint to study.
Akers' Revenge Game and Recent Team Moves
One final layer of drama comes from the Texans' starting running back situation. Cam Akers, who signed with Houston just before training camp, will get the start due to injuries to Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring). Akers spent part of last season with the Vikings after being traded from the Rams but had his season cut short by an Achilles tear in a November game against the Falcons. After contemplating a return to the Vikings in free agency, Akers chose the Texans, and now he finds himself starting against his former team.
In addition to Akers, both teams made some key roster moves this week. The Texans placed tight end Brevin Jordan on season-ending IR with a torn ACL and signed Irv Smith Jr., a former Viking, to fill the void. On the Vikings’ side, they signed linebacker Max Tooley, who was with the Texans during training camp but was released. These small moves only add to the complex web of connections between the two teams. With both sides so familiar with each other’s players, strategies, and even front-office ties—Texans GM Nick Caserio was part of the New England Patriots staff that drafted O’Connell as a player in 2008—Sunday’s game promises to be a fascinating chess match
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