Last meeting
In Week 5 of the Texans' inaugural 2004 season, rookie QB David Carr (three touchdowns, 372 yards) took a back seat to Daunte Culpepper's five touchdowns, including a 50-yarder to Marcus Robinson that gave the Vikings a 34-28 overtime win on the road.
Streaks
That 2004 game was the only meeting between these two teams.
Last week
The Texans totaled 384 yards, including 143 from WR Andre Johnson, in a 35-6 rout of the winless Bengals at home. ... The Vikings had a bye.
Keep your eye on ...
Schaub's turnaround: Matt Schuab's numbers the first two games of the season: one touchdown, five interceptions, 60.8 completion percentage and a 57.8 passer rating. In last four games: Nine touchdowns, two interceptions, 73.6 completion percentage and a 114.8 passer rating. Schaub's play is the biggest reason for Houston's current three-game win streak.
Mr. October: Johnson has easily been the biggest beneficiary of Schaub's stellar play. How's this for the month of October: 41 receptions, 593 yards, two touchdowns and 14.5 yards per catch. That's about as good of a month as you'll see from a receiver. The hot streak could continue against Minnnsota, which owns the league's 20th-ranked pass defense.
Minnesota's DT dominance: If the Texans are to maintain their winning streak, they'll have to continue lighting it up through the air. Through seven games, the Vikings have allowed a total of 495 rushing yards -- 70.7 yards per game. Led by the tackle tandem of Kevin Williams and Pat Williams, Minnesota's second-ranked run defense has not allowed a 100-yard rusher this season.
Did you know?
The Texans are avergaing 29.2 points over their last five games. ... Texans TE Owen Daniels ranks second in the AFC among tight ends in receptions (32) and yards (395). ... Adrian Peterson aims for his third straight game with at least 100 yards. He is second in the NFL with 684 rushing yards.
