Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Indianapolis Colts running back Zavier Scott rushed the ball 11 times for 55 and a touchdown in the team's win against the Cardinals on Saturday. Scott led all running backs in carries and yards as Indy mixed in four different backs for the game. The former Maine Black Bear spent last season primarily on the Colts' practice squad and will continue to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster this season. Scott has one more chance to solidify himself when the Colts face off against the Bengals for their final preseason game on Thursday.

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce started the preseason game against the New York Giants but struggled to make an impact, managing only four carries for five yards. Pierce averaged a disappointing 1.3 yards per carry, failing to show any improvement from his previous performance. In contrast, Cam Akers, serving as his primary backup, ran for 29 yards on six carries, including a long of 14 yards. Akers, who was signed at the beginning of training camp, has quickly emerged as a legitimate roster contender, transforming from a camp body into a potential backup to Joe Mixon. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's scheme has helped him catch up despite joining late. J.J. Taylor led the Texans' running backs with 36 yards on five carries, and rookie British Brooks scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns. However, with both Taylor and Brooks unlikely to make the final roster, the primary focus for the Texans will be the competition for Mixon's backup role.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor played only one drive but saw two looks in the team's second preseason game against the Cleveland Browns. The third-year wideout reeled in one of his two targets for an impressive 31-yard nab on 3rd-and-7 as he continues to impress for the competition of third wide receiver on the Vikings. The two players ahead of Nailor -- Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison -- did not play, giving the former sixth-round selection an opportunity to shine. Given the open-ended nature of Addison's pending court hearing and possible suspension, wideout depth is critical to assess. Nailor has answered the call well in both preseason games, bringing in four receptions for 94 yards in his three preseason drives so far. He's the clear favorite for a Vikings team that loves to use three-receiver sets.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards and no touchdowns in the team's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. He tossed two interceptions and added 12 rushing yards on one attempt. It was the preseason debut for the Giants' quarterback and first game action since tearing his ACL last November against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a bit of a mixed bag for Jones as he made a few foolish throws and some good ones on Saturday. The sixth-year veteran hit Darius Slayton for a big gain down to the Houston 1-yard line and made a few nice connections with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers in this one -- accounting for his highlights. It would have been a bigger day for him, but Nabers barely missed catching what would have been at least a 20-yard gain on the first drive. On a positive note, the Giants' offensive line has improved vastly from 2023. The unit consistently opened holes for Devin Singletary in the run game and did not allow New York's signal-caller to be sacked. The Giants will take on their cross-town rivals -- the New York Jets -- next Saturday. Expect Jones to suit up for one final tune-up before the regular season.

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards and no touchdowns in the team's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. He tossed two interceptions and added 12 rushing yards on one attempt.It was the preseason debut for the Giants' quarterback and first game action since tearing his ACL last November against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a bit of a mixed bag for Jones as he made a few foolish throws and some good ones on Saturday. The sixth-year veteran hit Darius Slayton for a big gain down to the Houston 1-yard line and made a few nice connections with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers in this one -- accounting for his highlights. It would have been a bigger day for him, but Nabers barely missed catching what would have been at least a 20-yard gain on the first drive. On a positive note, the Giants' offensive line has improved vastly from 2023. The unit consistently opened holes for Devin Singletary in the run game and did not allow New York's signal-caller to be sacked. The Giants will take on their cross-town rivals -- the New York Jets -- next Saturday. Expect Jones to suit up for one final tune-up before the regular season.