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.