Vikings vs. Texans final score: Minnesota keeps playoff hopes alive with 23-6 victory

Behind a strong defensive performance, the Minnesota Vikings picked up a 23-6 road victory over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

The Vikings responded to a field goal on the Texans' opening drive with a three yard touchdown pass to tight end Kyle Rudolph. They converted on three more field goals and later put the game out of reach on a 10-play, 64-yard drive in the fourth quarter that culminated in a touchdown run by Toby Gerhart.

Adrian Peterson was unable to eclipse the 100-yard mark on his quest to break Eric Dickerson's rushing record, finishing with just 86 yards.

The Vikings improved to 9-6 and remain in the hunt for a Wild Card spot going into the regular season finale.

Fantasy studs/duds

Minnesota tight end Kyle Rudolph hauled in the lone passing touchdown of the game, finishing with 39 yards and a score.

Backup running back Toby Gerhart added a touchdown of his own to go with 31 yards.

Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson had a solid game himself with seven catches for 97 yards.

Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson had a disappointing game by his own standards, with 86 rushing yards and no touchdowns.

The biggest dud, however, was Houston's star running back, Arian Foster. Foster finished with just 15 yards on 10 carries and left the game in the third quarter.

Did they cover?

The Texans entered the game as 9.5 point favorites, but failed to cover in their surprising home defeat.

What's next?

The Vikings will return home for a divisional matchup against the Green Bay Packers with a chance to earn a Wild Card bid with a win and some help.

The Texans, meanwhile, will travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. A loss there coupled with a pair of victories by the Denver Broncos would knock Houston out of the top spot in the AFC.