Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Aug. 10, 2024.

J.J. McCarthy is set to return to the field nearly a year to the day after his last action with the Minnesota Vikings.

The 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft debuted for the Vikings in their Aug. 10 preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders last season. The Michigan product performed well, completing 11 of 17 passes for 188 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, announcing himself as a legitimate contender in Minnesota's quarterback competition.

However, McCarthy was diagnosed with a torn meniscus shortly after the game. He missed the entirety of his rookie season as a result.

Now, McCarthy is set to return, though Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't revealed exactly how much McCarthy will play Saturday. Either way, the first-year starter will look to prove he can be a quality replacement for Sam Darnold, who signed with the Seattle Seahawks in free agency after leading the Vikings to a 14-3 regular-season record in 2024.

Here's how to watch the Vikings host the Texans in each team's first 2025 preseason game.

What channel is Texans vs. Vikings tonight?

  • Cable TV: NFL Network
  • Local TV: KTRK (Houston) | KMSP FOX 9 (Minnesota)
  • Streaming: NFL+ | Fubo

NFL Network will broadcast Saturday's Texans vs. Vikings game, which will feature J.J. McCarthy's return to action after he missed all of his rookie season with a torn meniscus.

Locally, fans in the Houston market can catch the game on KTRK while those in Minnesota can watch the game on KMSP FOX 9.

Texans vs. Vikings streaming

You can catch all 2025 preseason action on the NFL's streaming platform NFL+.

Fubo can also be used to stream Saturday's game, as the streaming service will carry all preseason games broadcast on NFL Network.

Watch Texans vs. Vikings with Fubo

Texans vs. Vikings start time

  • Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
  • Time: 4 p.m. ET

The Texans vs. Vikings game will kick off at 4 p.m. ET Saturday. It will be the second game broadcast on NFL Network as part of a preseason tripleheader.

Where to watch Texans vs. Vikings game today

  • Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
  • Venue: U.S. Bank Stadium
  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 9
  • Time: 4 p.m. ET
  • Game: Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings

Texans vs. Vikings odds, moneyline, over/under

The Vikings are favorites to defeat the Texans, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2025 including the ESPN BET app and Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.

  • Spread: Vikings (-3)
  • Moneyline: Vikings (-165); Texans (+140)
  • Over/under: 37.5

Not interested in this game? Our guide to NFL betting odds, picks and spreads has you covered.

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NFL preseason Week 1 schedule

All times ET.

Thursday, Aug. 7

  • Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens, 7 p.m.
  • Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles, 7:30 p.m.
  • Las Vegas Raiders at Seattle Seahawks, 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 8

  • Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons, 7 p.m. ET
  • Cleveland Browns at Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m. ET
  • Washington Commanders at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m. ET

Saturday, Aug. 9

  • New York Giants at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
  • Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings, 4 p.m.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers at Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 p.m.
  • Dallas Cowboys at Los Angeles Rams, 7 p.m.
  • Tennessee Titans at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m.
  • New York Jets at Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m.
  • Kansas City Chiefs at Arizona Cardinals, 8 p.m.
  • Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 10

  • Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
  • New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to watch Texans vs Vikings Week 1 preseason game: TV, live stream

Reporting by Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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