Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings: Staff Predictions

The Houston Texans (3-1) travel to Minnesota to take on the Vikings (4-0), our staff writers give their gut predictions on the game

The Texans have a tough one coming up. After a narrow win over the Tennessee Titans, they will face one of their tougher opponents in Week 5, the Minnesota Vikings.

Minnesota is 4-0 on the season, and they’ve been making it look easy. The reason for that is their shutout defense that makes life miserable for opponents. They have stellar corners and a pass rush that’s as good as any in the NFL.

The good news for Houston is that their offense can be stagnant at times, especially with running back Adrian Peterson out of the lineup. This is a huge benefit for the team that’s missing their face-of-the-franchise as well, defensive end J.J. Watt.

Houston’s defense will need to be strong in this game, but the offense really is the key. If Brock Osweiler plays quarterback against Minnesota like he did against Tennessee of New England, this could be an ugly game.

If the big-armed quarterback can protect the ball and make some solid throws, Houston could have a chance.

So how will it shake out? That’s exactly the question our writers here at the Toro Times are going to try and answer!

Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the third quarter at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Writer: Josh McSwain

Game: Houston Texans (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

Outlook: The Vikings are one of two teams that the Texans have never beaten, the other being the Eagles. The Texans head to the brand spankin’ new US Bank Stadium to try and get their first win over Minnesota on Sunday.

Things don’t look very good for the Texans to reverse that trend on Sunday. This Vikings defense is one of the best in the NFL, and they get after quarterbacks. For a team in the Texans that have had issues on the offensive line, Brock Osweiler better be ready to take a beating in this game.

The key for the Texans is going to be Lamar Miller. The Vikings have shown some vulnerability to the run so far this season, and the Texans will need to prevent getting into third and longs and letting the Vikings pass rush pin their ears back and come after Osweiler.

The real strength of the Vikings is in their secondary. They have a great group of cornerbacks with Xavier Rhodes, Trae Waynes and Terence Newman. Rhodes blanketed Odell Beckham on Monday night, and he will spend a lot of time on DeAndre Hopkins. Even Newman is still fleet afoot, keeping up with Beckham on a go route Monday night. So Will Fuller also figures not to have as good of a day.

On offense, the Vikings are good enough to get by. Teddy Bridgewater was lost in the preseason to an injury, and Sam Bradford has come in and rightened the ship. He makes some plays, enough for this defense. With Jerick McKinnon in the backfield, the Vikings have gotten by without Adrian Peterson. I figure he will find some holes in this one.

This figures to be a defensive struggle, and the better defense right now belongs to the home team.

Final Score: Minnesota 17, Houston 9

Oct 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with teammates after returning a punt for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Game: Houston Texans (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-1)

Outlook: The Texans struggled quite a bit with the Tennessee Titans which doesn’t bode well for them heading into Week 5. They make their first trip to U.S. Bank Stadium (which looks awesome by the way) to face the undefeated Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson but still can’t seem to lose. Sam Bradford is an incredibly overrated quarterback, but he does do just enough in Minnesota to not lose the games.

The real strength of this team is their defense. Xavier Rhodes has slowed down Odell Beckham, Jr. and Kelvin Benjamin in recent weeks. After being held to one catch by the Titans, this isn’t who DeAndre Hopkins wanted to face.

Brock Osweiler has had his share of struggles as well, but his issues have extended over a couple week period rather than just against Tennessee. Turnovers are becoming the norm as he has six interceptions in four games this year. This is not the team to make mistakes against.

Unfortunately they’re just too solid on defense and the loss of J.J. Watt means the Texans defense will struggle to get the pressure they need. Minnesota wins this one, but Houston is still in first in the AFC South.

Final Score: Minnesota 24, Houston 10