Texans vs. Vikings, NFL picks and predictions 2016: Minnesota expected to remain undefeated

Two of the best defenses in the league will square off Sunday when the Houston Texans pay a visit to the Minnesota Vikings. Both of these clubs are currently at or close to the top of their respective conferences, but the Vikings' wins have been far more convincing.

The Texans are coming off a one-possession victory over the Tennessee Titans that was flipped on a Will Fuller punt return for a touchdown. They were embarrassed by the Patriots the previous week, losing 27-0 to rookie third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett.

Speaking of quarterbacks, Brock Osweiler's first month in Houston was mixed. He posted a 74.8 passer rating and threw six interceptions compared to five touchdowns. That will likely mean trouble against a stifling Vikings pass defense that held the Giants to 10 points and Eli Manning to 261 yards on Monday Night Football last week.

So far this season, the Vikings have defeated Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, and Manning. They've allowed the second-fewest points in the league and are No. 2 in sacks as well.

Even without J.J. Watt, who may be out for the rest of the season to recover from back surgery, the Texans have a defense to be reckoned with. They're ranked second in pass defense and fifth overall.

But so far this season, Sam Bradford has been able to protect the football. The six-year veteran has thrown zero interceptions through three games and posted a 105.5 QB rating. Even if the Vikings don't light up the scoreboard against the Texans, they'll have a great chance to win if they don't turn the ball over -- something that Osweiler seems incapable of handling.