The Minnesota Vikings held on for their first victory of the season, riding a big day by Dalvin Cook to defeat the Houston Texans 31-23.
As offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak promised, the Vikings fed the Texans a large dose of Dalvin Cook. The Vikings running back helped Minnesota get on the board with a five-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and helped set the tone for the afternoon.
After the Texans and Vikings exchanged field goals, Cook struck again for his second touchdown to put the Vikings ahead 17-3.
The momentum shifted on the final drive of the first half as Harrison Smith was ejected for targeting. The hit on Jordan Akins led to a field goal before halftime but helped open up the Vikings’ defense for a 24-yard touchdown reception by Will Fuller early in the third quarter.
After another field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn to make it a 17-16 game, Minnesota fired back. Kirk Cousins found Adam Thielen for a nine-yard touchdown to extend the lead and Alexander Mattison ran in from four yards to run the lead up to 31-16.
But the Texans made their move with Deshaun Watson connecting on a 24-yard touchdown to Will Fuller to cut the lead down to eight. After a drive to kill the clock stalled, the Texans marched down the field and appeared to score a touchdown on a leaping grab by Fuller.
The play was reviewed and was deemed incomplete and the Vikings held on for their first victory of the year.
The Vikings (1-3) will look to keep the momentum going in Week 5 with a Sunday night matchup with the Seattle Seahawks.
