1. Bradley Roby/Vernon Hargreaves III vs. Adam Thielen/Justin Jefferson
The two star wide receivers of the Minnesota Vikings have put up some impressive numbers this season through the first three weeks with Adam Thielen having 12 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns, all while averaging 14.2 yards per reception with Kirk Cousins as his quarterback.
His teammate, Justin Jefferson, also has 12 receptions this season for 245 yards with one touchdown catch. Jefferson is averaging 20.4 yards per reception, with a season-best 71-yard reception, and don’t forget he’s only a rookie.
This will be a tough task for the Houston Texans to stop — or at least slow down — on Sunday, but they will have the cornerback duo of Bradley Roby and Vernon Hargreaves III doing their best and doing what they are hired to do, and that is dominate the opposing wide receivers each week.
Roby has a PFF grade this season of 57.9 as he’s been targeted 14 times, allowing 10 receptions in three games. Hargreaves III in three games has a PFF grade of 48.8 as he’s allowed 12 receptions on 18 targets
Roby might be paired up with Thielen, and if so, that could be a very interesting battle with the two talented players. The Houston Texans do need to stop Thielen on Sunday. If Thielen gains momentum, the Vikings offense become extremely dangerous, as there will also be added focus on Jefferson, and most likely Dalvin Cook as well.
This matchup won’t be a walk in the park for the Houston Texans on Sunday, but if they can just slow down the potential the Minnesota offense has with these two receivers, that will make the day so much more successful, but that is much easier said than done.