Vikings' next opponent: Houston

December 17, 2012 at 5:21AM

HOUSTON (12-2)

The Texans clinched their first AFC South title Sunday, but questions linger after their lopsided 42-14 loss to the New England Patriots last Monday night.

TEXANS WEEK 15

Houston 29, Indianapolis 17

The Texans rebounded from the Patriots debacle as Andre Johnson had 151 receiving yards, Bryan Braman scored on a blocked punt, and Shayne Graham kicked five field goals.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

J.J. Watt, defensive tackle

Watt increased his AFC-leading sack total to 19 1/2 -- the league record for a season is 22 1/2 -- with three Sunday, and finished with 10 tackles. He also forced a fumble for the third consecutive game.

OUTLOOK

The Vikings need an upset to keep their playoff chances rosy, and probably the best they can hope for is a letdown by the playoff-bound Texans. It's still a long shot. Outlook: Horns down.

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