Gabe Murphy, the Vikings' undrafted UCLA edge rusher, erupted in Minnesota's Saturday preseason win, delivering two sacks and consistently pressuring Texans passers. After a rookie year largely spent rehabbing a knee, Murphy's offseason grind and a healthy camp are translating into game-ready explosiveness. He sits behind a deep group but is emerging as a potential rotational contributor, a storyline Kevin O’Connell has hovered over since the start of camp.

The Vikings also teased future depth pieces like Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, a rookie with first-team reps who can play inside or on the edge, while Minnesota shuffled its line with guard Michael Gonzalez and a IR stint for Matt Nelson. The ensemble backdrop includes notable veterans and young players—Jefferson’s hamstring absences, Metellus’ return, and a wave of practice intensity heading into joint sessions with New England—setting up a high-stakes competition for Week 1 roles and fantasy upside.

Complicating the picture are Grayson Murphy, Gabe’s twin and Dolphins linebacker, Kedon Slovis’s Texans exposure, and a handful of veteran pieces who shape the Vikings’ rush strategy. The overall message: Murphy’s ceiling rises with continued production, Ingram-Dawkins’ versatility adds internal pressure, and the Vikings’ defensive depth could turn preseason momentum into real-season fantasy value.

In Minnesota’s first glimpse of 2025, the Vikings flashed a balanced, competitive preseason win over Houston, 20-10, with several players making a strong case for roster spots. Gabriel Murphy paced the edge with 1.5 sacks on 30 snaps and a top PFF grade, signaling he could push for an early-edge role behind Dallas Turner. Zavier Scott supplied a sturdy run-game spark, seven carries for 50 yards, including a setup that capped a 94-yard drive, entering the RB3 conversation behind the Mose Mason duo. Max Brosmer, calm and accurate in limited action, completed 5 of 8 for 47 yards and delivered a TD pass, underscoring his late-round potential and QB3 upside.

On the downside, Ty Chandler struggled for five yards on five attempts, threatening his roster security if Scott keeps producing. Brett Rypien was inefficient (1-of-4, six yards) and sacked twice, reinforcing Brosmer’s case as a legitimate QB3 consideration. Silas Bolden, debuting as UDFA, showed a glimpse with an 8-yard punt return and a 3-yard catch but dropped a crucial pass, keeping his odds for a late-season role alive but fragile. Early-injury context lingered as Rondale Moore’s exit could shift the late-depth chart, increasing opportunities for Bolden and others to seize the moment.

J.J. McCarthy returned to the practice-field stage for Minnesota, guiding a clean first-drive field-goal march in his first game action in a year. He completed 4 of 7 for 30 yards and added 8 rushing yards across 12 snaps, benefiting from noticeably crisper pockets than seen in camp. Sam Howell followed, delivering a sharp first-half performance (11 of 13 for 105 yards) and scoring on a QB sneak, signaling the Texans’ backup plan has reason for cautious optimism.

Gabriel Murphy flashed as a disruptive defender with two sacks and four pressures in the first half, while Khalef Hailassie grabbed two fourth-quarter picks, underscoring Minnesota’s depth-chart intrigue. Rondale Moore’s Vikings debut flashed depth concerns on punt return, especially with Addison suspended and the rookie Price fumbling a snap. Max Brosmer sealed the 20-10 win with a late TD strike to a tight end before a botched snap ended his drive. These moments shape early fantasy risk and roster considerations, from McCarthy’s hold on the job to Moore’s knee of uncertainty.

Minnesota’s offense moved efficiently in the first half of a Chicago-like exhibition, with J.J. McCarthy efficiently feeding Jordan Addison on an opening flurry that produced a 3-0 lead on Reichard’s boot. Houston answered, led by Davis Mills, finishing a 14-yard connection to Braxton Berrios for a 7-3 edge. A late Vikings drive produced Sam Howell’s early involvement and a 1-yard Howell score after a series of big plays to Lucky Jackson and Jeshaun Jones. The half closed with Minnesota up 13-7 after Reichard added a 38-yard field goal. A scary moment as Rondale Moore twisted a leg on a punt return clouded the scene, but Minnesota heads to the locker room with momentum and hidden depth on both sides of the ball. Fantasy angles lean toward McCarthy Addison pairing and Mills’ Texans tempo, with Murphy and Reichard quietly shaping kicker and pass-rush outlook.

The Minnesota Vikings have launched their 2025 training camp amid a wave of anticipation, showcasing an impressive roster bolstered by key offseason additions. The offensive line, running back room, and wide receiver group are particularly strong, while the defense remains a force, holding the top spot in front-seven rankings according to analytics. However, the secondary could be a concern. The Vikings' most compelling position battles are expected to play out among depth players, especially with EDGE Pat Jones II now with the Panthers. Analyst Phil Mackey highlighted Gabriel Murphy, who he believes could secure a significant role this season, possibly ranking among the top four EDGE rushers alongside Dallas Turner. Mackey's enthusiasm for Murphy stems from his standout performances in previous training camps, where he even saw first-team action.