Vikings' biggest storylines heading into preseason debut vs. Texans start and end with J.J. McCarthy

What are the biggest storylines to keep an eye on this Saturday? It's all about position battles.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans storylines to watch

J.J. McCarthy starting in the preseason

When it comes to McCarthy, he's going to start the first preseason game. Last season, he played extensively in the first preseason game and dominated the Las Vegas Raiders to the tune of nearly 200 yards and two touchdowns through the air. Unfortunately, that game is best known for ending McCarthy's rookie season.

Is it the smartest move to start McCarthy in the preseason? It's a gamble with his health, especially the perception of his injury last year. What starting in the preseason will do for him is get valuable reps to help him get off to a great start in the regular season.

Wide receiver depth chart

The Vikings have a really interesting group of wide receivers. After the top three of Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor, it's a wide range of talents who could fill the last 2-3 spots on the roster. The clubhouse leader is Lucky Jackson, as he's been getting a lot of reps with the first-team, and looking like he belongs in that spot.

We've seen plenty of others get time with the first-team this weel, including Rondale Moore and Thayer Thomas. Where things will start to shift in the pecking order is how the players end up playing within the context of the game. That in itself is going to start separating who will make the team and who will be on the outside looking in.

Defensive line rotation

The defensive line has been a major topic of conversation when it comes to the Vikings. The interior players last year were not playing up to par, and it forced the Vikings to make major changes during the offseason. We know the starters will be Harrison Phillips, Jonathan Allen, and Javon Hargrave, but the second group is the more intriguing.

Last year, the depth players were Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Taki Taimani. It was more of a redshirt year for Rodriguez, but he's shot up the depth chart this year during training camp. Plus, the addition of Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins is a wrench thrown into the group. As things sit with the first unofficial depth chart, Taimani looks like the odd man out, as he's on the third team with the emergence of Rodriguez. How this group shapes out will start on Saturday. Also, keep an eye out for Elijah Williams, as his profile is really intriguing.