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.

Minnesota opened the 2025 preseason with a 20-10 win over Houston, and some veterans took the field to show off roster momentum. J.J. McCarthy looked composed in his first game action since last year, connecting with Jordan Addison on three completions for 33 yards and showing a pocket feel that could translate into expanded play-calling with Addison serving a three-game suspension. The run game offered more consistency, with Jordan Mason mixing in four carries for 20 yards and Zavier Scott stepping up with seven carries for 40 yards, helping fuel a major second-quarter drive. Minnesota’s offense totaled 83 rushing yards on 20 attempts, and an offense-wide 94-yard touchdown march highlighted improved ground work. The Vikings’ EDGE rotation also looked healthy, as Gabriel Murphy notched 1.5 sacks, Bo Richter pressured the pocket, and Tyler Batty’s disruptive play produced a deflection that Kahlef Hailassie converted into an interception. Taken together, the night offered a blend of proven veterans and burgeoning depth that could impact fantasy rosters, especially if Addison’s absence opens doors for McCarthy’s developing rapport with other pass-catchers and keeps the Vikings balanced on early downs.

Overall, the depth pieces impressed, hinting at a flexible offensive approach and a defense that can generate pressure even with a crowded edge group. The Texans posed a stout challenge in spots, but Minnesota’s ability to lean on multiple backs and a quarterback who looks comfortable under center signals a roster ready to adapt through the preseason and into the regular season. For fantasy managers, it’s a reminder to monitor McCarthy’s chemistry with Addison, watch who rises as the Week 1 backup options, and note the early-traveled players who could become viable streaming options in the Vikings’ offense while Addison serves his suspension.