Texans stand in way of Vikings' playoff hopes

Published: Dec 19, 2012 at 08:34 AM

NFL.com and NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport has his thoughts on the game:

Week 16 primer:
» Ranking games in order of intrigue

Why this game is intriguing: That this is such a highly anticipated game this late in the season is a testament to the stunning run by the Minnesota Vikings. Too young and inexperienced on defense, too limited on offense, with the face of the franchise recovering from reconstructive knee surgery. All signs pointed to a rebuilding year. Instead, the Vikes have all of their playoff goals available. Oh, and Adrian Peterson is eyeing the single-season rushing record as he takes the field against one of seven teams allowing fewer than 100 rushing yards per game. Can A.D. excel against J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans' multi-faceted defense, or will quarterback Christian Ponder have to throw to loosen things up? As for the Texans, all they have in front of them in a methodically dominating season is a first-round playoff bye they can clinch with a win. Ho hum.

On Twitter:#MINvsHOU

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