The Minnesota Vikings kick off their 2025 preseason campaign this Sunday with a home clash against the Houston Texans — and there’s plenty of intrigue heading into this opener.
After a sparkling 14–3 regular-season run in 2024 that ultimately fizzled in a disappointing early playoff exit, the Vikings are looking to recapture that same magic. But they’ll be doing it with a fresh face under center. With Sam Darnold now suiting up for Seattle, all eyes in Minnesota turn to J.J. McCarthy, the 2024 first-rounder who lost his entire rookie year to injury. Now healthy, he enters camp as QB1 — and the preseason could offer the first real glimpse of what he brings to the table.
Vikings fans will be watching closely: Will McCarthy log any preseason snaps? Which players get the “starter treatment” in terms of reps? And which roster hopefuls start to pull ahead in the battle for a final spot?
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Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans: Date and kick-off time
Vikings will take on Texans in a highly anticipated NFL game on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 4:00 pm ET or 1:00 pm PT, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota .
| Date | Saturday, August 9, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 4:00 pm ET or 1:00 pm PT |
| Venue | U.S. Bank Stadium |
| Location | Minneapolis, Minnesota |
How to watch Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans on TV & stream live online
TV channel: FOX9, NFL Network
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Minnesota Vikings vs Houston Texans team news
Minnesota Vikings team news
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed on Monday that fans will get their first look at J.J. McCarthy under center when the team faces the Houston Texans in Saturday’s preseason opener.
The 2024 first-round pick is finally set to make his long-awaited debut after a torn meniscus wiped out his entire rookie campaign. Now fully healthy, McCarthy is eager to rack up valuable snaps and build chemistry with the offense.
With Sam Darnold now in Seattle following his free agency departure, the Vikings made it crystal clear this offseason that McCarthy is the future—and the future starts now. There’s no veteran safety net, no quarterback controversy—just the keys to the franchise firmly in the hands of the young gunslinger.
And the stakes are high. Minnesota posted a stellar 14–3 record last season before bowing out to the Rams in the Wild Card round, and the core of that playoff-ready roster remains intact. Expectations are sky-high, and McCarthy has been tasked with leading a team hungry for a Super Bowl run.
It's a tall order for any young QB, but the vibe coming out of training camp is one of cautious optimism.
Houston Texans team news
The Texans are focused on fixing their biggest headache from last season, an offensive line that left C.J. Stroud under siege. Stroud faced pressure on nearly 39% of his dropbacks and was sacked 52 times, both stats among the worst in the NFL. That sparked a full-scale offensive overhaul in Houston.
The Texans parted ways with Laremy Tunsil, Shaq Mason, and Kenyon Green — a trio that combined for 41 starts last year — and brought in reinforcements in the form of Cam Robinson, Trent Brown, and Laken Tomlinson, while also trading for ex-Viking Ed Ingram. A new voice will also be calling plays, as Nick Caley takes over the offensive coordinator role following the dismissal of Bobby Slowik.