Houston at Minnesota

If you look at the major injuries these teams have suffered, it is unlikely that anyone would consider them to be a combined 7-1 entering this game. Minnesota lost QB Terry Bridgewater, and RB Adrien Peterson, while Houston lost one of the best defensive players in the NFL in J.J. Watt. The good news for the Texans is their pass defense is the best in the league, and the Minnesota running game is almost nonexistent without Peterson. QB Sam Bradford is not going to have as big of windows to throw through in this game, and his past presents that as very problematic for the Vikings QB. The Vikings also have a suspect kicking game as Blair Walsh, who blew a chip shot FG that sent the Vikings home from the playoffs last season, continues to struggle. He has missed three times in four games already, and that reveals some hidden value here. This game is going to be about field position, and neither team can afford a missed opportunity. This game looks statistically even to me, so the line is out of whack with the Vikings as a TD favorite. Take the points on Houston.