Texans at Vikings: Preview, Predictions, and More

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Houston Texans (3-1) head up north to face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (4-0) as the second of back-to-back home games for Minnesota. The Texans and Vikings both lead the AFC South and NFC North, respectively, heading into Week 5 at U.S. Bank Stadium. However, that’s not the way many expected the dominoes to fall.

Leading up to the 2016-17 season, the talk of the AFC South was the return of Andrew Luck or how much better the Jacksonville Jaguars will be after the slew of talent brought in on the defensive side of the ball. Nobody made mention of the quarterback carousel that finally ended in Houston for Brock Osweiler. Or the impact of Will Fuller or Lamar Miller would have on offense.

In the NFC North, the story was the bounce back of the Green Bay Packers. But for some odd reason, even with the return of Jordy Nelson, the Pack’s still looks as discombobulated as ever. With the injuries suffered by both Teddy Bridgewater and Adrian Peterson, the Vikings were surely written off after their victory over Green Bay.

Both teams have risen above the obstacles and have used defensive dominance as their recipe of success. Houston rebounded nicely after being shut out by the New England Patriots, while Minnesota keeps trucking through each opponent with each phase contributing points in some facet.

Keys to Victory

Houston lost a once-in-a-decade player in J.J. Watt, but still functioned nicely against the Tennessee Titans. Demarco Murray continued to roll, but the passing defense negated any eye-popping plays from Mariota and the wide receivers.

Their passing defense will need to key in on Kyle Rudolph in the red zone and prevent any explosive plays down the field with Stefon Diggs (if he plays). On offense, Osweiler must get rid of the ball quickly, with a point of emphasis on the quickness. Slants and crossing patterns seem to work somewhat on a stingy Vikings defense, and guys like Miller and Will Fuller can make guys miss in the open field.

Minnesota just needs to continue what they’re doing. The Vikings rank atop the league in defense, their offense finally put together a complete game against the New York Giants, and the special teams continue to contribute in some sort of fashion in each game.

Mike Zimmer’s crew of purple and gold may be the most complete team in the NFL as of right now. What should be more concerning to the league is that this was supposed to be the toughest stretch of the season for the Vikings. The Panthers, Packers, and Texans were all former playoff teams from last year. As Minnesota returns from a bye in Week 6, their next four opponents will be Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, and Washington. Where do you see Minnesota’s first loss? I certainly don’t see one in the second quarter of the season either.

Philadelphia will surely give Minnesota a run for their money in Philly, but I feel as if the Texans have the best chance of dethroning the Vikings this Sunday in Week 5.

Odds

Point Spread: Minnesota -6.5
Moneyline: Houston +231, Minnesota -259
Over/Under: 39.5/40.5

Per Oddshark.com

Must Read: Minnesota Vikings: Monday Night Proves Team is For Real

Prediction

Even though Minnesota has already proven their metal versus the likes of the Packers, Panthers, and Giants, the Texans may be their toughest test to date. This game likely stays close throughout with the often inconsistent kicker for Minnesota, Blair Walsh, kicking a game winner with less than two minutes remaining in the game.

Pick: Houston Texans: 17, Minnesota Vikings: 20

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