Texans vs. Vikings Pick
Will two defensive-minded teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans continue their defensive dominance on Sunday at 1PM ET?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Vikings are favored at home in this game, as they are getting odds of -6 points against the Texans. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 40.5 points. The Vikings have won all three meetings with the Texans and the two have hit the over in two of three meetings.
Minnesota remains the most surprising team of 2016 with its 4-0 start despite injuries to a number of major players. Minnesota has covered in 13 straight games overall, including the preseason, while hitting the under in three straight. The Vikings are giving up just 12.5 points and 335 yards per game on defense. The unit has amassed 15 sacks and created 11 turnovers in the four games. The offense is averaging just 303 yards per game, but averaging 22 points per contest thanks to the defense creating short fields. Sam Bradford has been efficient, throwing for 719 yards and four touchdowns without an interception.
Houston is coming off a 27-20 win over the Titans to move to 3-1 on the season. The Texans have hit the under in three of the four games. Houston also has a great defense, allowing just 18.3 points and 302 yards per game. However, the unit continues to be without stud DE J.J. Watt, who went on IR with a back injury. Houston has 11 sacks and created five turnovers this season. On offense, Houston is also struggling a little. The Texans are averaging just 17.3 points and 349.8 yards per game. Lamar Miller has been a solid addition, rushing for 351 yards in four games, but Brock Osweiler has struggled, throwing for just 949 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions. He will need to step up this week against a great defense if Houston hopes to win.
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The point total for this game is low for a reason, but I still like the under to hit. Minnesota should be able to dominate this Houston offense at home and force Osweiler into some poor throws and turnovers. Minnesota has been efficient on offense, but still isn’t going to rack up a lot of yards due to the lack of a steady run game. Points will be hard to come by in this one.
NFL WEEK 5 PICK: TEXANS/VIKINGS UNDER 40.5