Offensive Breakdown: Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings
By Ryan Palmer
Two very similar teams will compete this Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. Both the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans rely on great defense and mistake-free offensive play.
The Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans are looking to keep their strong start to the season going. Minnesota (4-0) is currently in first place in the NFC North, while the Texans (3-1) are leading the AFC South.
Nobody would have guessed the significance of this Week 5 battle when previewing the schedule prior to the start of the season. That is why I love football, you just never know what teams might sneak out of the gate early.
Quarterbacks-
Peter King picked Sam Bradford as his early choice for NFL MVP, and who could blame him. Bradford has played brilliantly so far for the Vikings. There are players with gaudier numbers, but Sam’s value to the offense has been immeasurable in 2016. Bradford’s QB rating has been an astronomical 105.5 in three games.
The Texans gambled on former Bronco Brock Osweiler to take charge of an offense that had struggled in 2015. It has been a mixed-bag for the Brockweiler’s first four games. Osweiler has thrown 5 TD’s, and his QB rating is 74.8, but he has also tossed 6 interceptions. The Minnesota Vikings defense has feasted off of takeaways thus far.
Advantage: Minnesota Vikings
Running Backs-
Minnesota had an obvious setback coming into 2016 when they lost Adrian Peterson. The Vikings have yet to really open up the running game, but they showed signs of improvement against the Giants. Jerick McKinnon had 85 yards on 18 attempts, by far his best showing this season. Although his numbers are not pretty, Matt Asiata has made some crucial plays when the Vikings needed it. Both backs also found the end zone in Week 4.
For the Texans, it has been Lamar Miller getting the majority of the reps. Miller has 351 yards on 93 attempts through four games. Decent numbers, however no Texans’ running back has scored a rushing TD as of yet. They maybe waiting another week going up against the Minnesota Vikings staunch run defense.
Advantage: Houston Texans
Wide Receivers-
Stefon Diggs has developed great chemistry working with Bradford. The second year standout is putting up impressive numbers for an offense in a state of flux. Sam has also found his security-blanket in Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph is leading the league in TD receptions by a tight end with 3. Cordarrelle Patterson is reemerging as a threat from anywhere on the field.
DeAndre Hopkins is off to a slow start for his standards. With most of the opposing coverage being focused on Hopkins, it has created an opportunity for a budding rookie. Will Fuller has capitalized on his opportunities The rookie has 323 receiving yards and 2 TD’s heading into Week 5.
More from Sporting Sota
- Minnesota Twins bullpen will be their downfall
- Top 5 Minnesota Twins Pitching Prospects
- Kyle Rudolph signing gives stability to Minnesota Vikings offense
- Jake Odorizzi’s emergence fueling Twins starting staff
- Former Minnesota Twins player David Ortiz shot
Advantage: Draw
Special Teams-
Minnesota Viking’ punter Jeff Locke has been pinning opponents inside the twenty all year. Blair Walsh on the other hand has been a disappointment. Minnesota has two of the games most dangerous return specialists in the NFL. Marcus Sherels and Patterson have shined early and often.
In regards to kicking, Houston’s Nick Novak and Shane Lechler are two of the best. Lechler is averaging almost 50 yards per punt, and Novak has only missed twice this year. Where the Texans are deficient however is their return game. Will Fuller has been the only bright spot, in his one attempt he returned a punt 67 yards for a TD.
Next: Minnesota Vikings: Who is the Most Valuable?
Advantage: Minnesota Vikings