Houston Texans

Texans vs. Vikings: The Point Spread; Over/Under

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jan 3, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; The Houston Texans mascot “Toro” reacts against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Texans vs. Vikings: Whosssh…was that the sound of my 0-3 predictions in the Titans’ game or the future sound of defensive linemen rushing past, over and through the Texans’ overwhelmed offensive line? Probably both.

Except the “whossh” in the Titans game may have been the sound of Will Fuller returning a punt 67 yards. That one play, that 10 seconds or so, was all the separated a lopsided 0-3 prediction from a solid 2-1. The “whossh” won’t happen so fast in the Vikings game.

Well, actually it will be fast, but it will be repeated over and over again. The Vikings defensive line is that superior to the Texans offensive line. This won’t be a huge blow-out because even without J. J. Watt the Texans’ defense is credible. The Vikings’ offense is competent, but not overwhelming. The Texans are 6 point underdogs. The number is 40.

What I see is about 3.5 yards per carry for Lamar Miller and supporting cast, not nearly enough to take the pressure off a hurried and harassed Brock Osweiler. I expect the Vikings to win the turnover battle, field position, time of possession, first downs, third down efficiency, total offense and, of course the scoreboard. In other words it will be a solid beat-down, but The Texans defense will keep it from being as embarrassing as the New England game.

If they pull it off this would be a huge win for the Texans. It would enhance their national standing and their hold on the AFC South. Unfortunately, it’s not going to happen. Give the points and pick the “Under”. Vikings win 24-9.