The Minnesota Vikings dominated the Houston Texans in a lopsided 20-10 preseason victory Saturday afternoon, capitalizing on three costly interceptions while showcasing their offensive depth. Houston's quarterback struggles told the story—Graham Mertz's three picks, including two snagged by Vikings corner Kahlef Hailassie, derailed any momentum the Texans tried to build. Minnesota's defense stifled Houston's anemic offense, holding them to just 194 total yards while controlling the clock for over two-thirds of the game. Sam Howell led the charge for the Vikings with a surgical 11-of-13 passing performance for 105 yards, while Max Brosmer added a touchdown strike to Myles Price, part of a balanced attack that saw eight different receivers contribute.

The Texans' lone bright spot came from Braxton Berrios, whose 14-yard touchdown reception and 24-yard punt return provided fleeting sparks in an otherwise forgettable outing. But with Houston's quarterbacks combining for a paltry 3.6 yards per attempt and the Vikings' ground game grinding out 86 rushing yards, the outcome was never in doubt. Minnesota's convincing win sets an early tone for their preseason ambitions, while Houston heads back to the drawing board to address glaring offensive inconsistencies.