Houston Texans vs Minnesota Vikings: Watch Live Stream Online, Prediction, Preview, Matt Schaub, Christian Ponder Will Sit Out

Two teams try to bounce back from tough losses the Houston Texans host the Minnesota Vikings Thursday night at Reliant Stadium.

The preseason match-up starts at 7pm eastern time, and you can watch streaming online here.

Last week, Houston's first-team offense looked sharp while the defense struggled in their 34-27 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Matt Schaub was 15-for-18 for 194 yards and a touchdown, while running back Arian Foster had eight carries for 32 yards and a touchdown.

The Texans fielded the top-ranked defense in the league last season, but New Orleans generated 412 total yards and 27 first downs. Quarterback Drew Brees went 17-for-25 for 179 yards and two touchdowns.

Reserve quarterback John Beck will start Thursday against the Vikings, while Case Keenum will play the whole second half. Both are vying for the third-string quarterback position, but even if they perform well, there is no certainty Houston will keep three quarterbacks on the roster.

Minnesota will also rest their Week 1 starting quarterback Christian Ponder, and opt for Joe Webb, Sage Rosenfels and McLeod Bethel-Thompson to take snaps under center Thursday.

Ponder hopes to improve after the Vikings 20-17 loss to the San Diego Chargers last week. He went 9-for-16 for 115 yards and an interception.

Minnesota head coach Leslie Frazier considered playing running back Adrian Peterson Thursday, but decided not to take the risk. Peterson is still rehabbing the left knee he blew out last season, but could be available in Week 1.

Prediction: Houston still has several receivers hoping to make the final squad, so Beck and Keenum will have lively targets throughout the game coupled with a Minnesota secondary that still has several kinks to work out before Week 1.

Predicted Score: Houston 35, Minnesota 6