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HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The
Minnesota Vikings
always seem to be at their best after getting a week off.
The Vikings look to continue their success following their week off when they meet the
Houston Texans
for the first time Sunday at Reliant Stadium.
Minnesota is an impressive 12-3 in the week following a bye, the NFL's best record.
Entering this contest, the Vikings are trying to snap a six-game road losing streak, dating to a 39-26 victory against Atlanta on October 5, 2003.
As usual, the Vikings are led by their high-powered offense.
Daunte Culpepper
has a rating of 124.8 to lead the NFL and has completed 73 percent (73-of-100) of his passes for 945 yards with eight touchdowns and an interception.
Five of Culpepper's touchdowns have gone to
Randy Moss
, who has 19 catches for 215 yards.
Culpepper was hoping to get running back
Michael Bennett
back for this contest. But Bennett underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Monday and will miss at least two more games.
The Vikings also will be without running back
Onterrio Smith
, who has been suspended for four games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Defensively, the Vikings allow 375 yards per game to rank 29th in the league.
After losing their first two games, the Texans have put together back-to-back wins for the first time in their history.
Rookie
Dunta Robinson
had two interceptions and the Texans forced five turnovers in last week's 30-17 victory over Oakland. Rookie
Jonathan Wells
rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown and
David Carr
completed 14-of-23 passes for 228 yards and a score.
At 36 games, the Texans needed longer than any expansion team to win consecutive games.
Matchup to watch:
Randy Moss
lines up across rookie right cornerback
Dunta Robinson
.
Series: First meeting.
Next week: Minnesota visits New Orleans, October 17 Houston visits Tennessee, October 17
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