MINNEAPOLIS -- Yes, Brock Osweiler has a contract befitting a franchise player, but he joined the Houston Texans this year with only seven career starts.Sam Bradford was once the first overall pick in the draft, but if the Minnesota Vikings finish with a winning record this season this will be the first time hes experienced that in his professional career.Quality quarterback performance has never been more important in the present-day NFL, but what has also become clear is that success is possible without one of the leagues established elite taking the snaps.Dominant defense, with reigning Super Bowl champion Denver as the prime exhibit, is a must have.Thats primarily why the Texans (3-1) and Vikings (4-0) are winning, and theyre not alone.Philadelphia (rookie Carson Wentz), New England (suspended Tom Brady), Denver (first-time starter Trevor Siemian), St. Louis (career fill-in Case Keenum) and Dallas (rookie Dak Prescott) also have aided less-than-ideal blueprints at quarterback this season with defenses that rank in the top 10 in points allowed.When you look at the Vikings defense, youre looking at a terrific defense, Osweiler said. We know the challenge we have going on the road.The Vikings will face one on Sunday as well. Even without superstar defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans have been difficult to move the ball against.Theyre very sound. Very rarely does it look like guys are out of place, Bradford said. Theyre just playing really good football on that side right now.Here are some key angles to follow for the game:THE BLAIR WALSH PROJECT: Vikings kicker Blair Walsh ranks 28th in the NFL with a 72.7 percent field goal rate that wouldnt be as concerning if he hadnt had some struggles the past few years and the infamous miss of a 27-yard try at the end of the one-point loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs last season. Coach Mike Zimmer ominously replied not yet when asked this week whether the team would bring in any free agents to compete for the job.In addition to three failed field goals, Walsh has missed two extra points.That may cost us someday, special teams coordinator Mike Priefer said. So were hoping to rectify that situation and help him go out and make all his kicks.BROWNS BACK: The Texans should get a boost by the expected return of veteran left tackle Duane Brown. He missed the first four games this season while recovering from January surgery to repair a torn quadriceps muscle. Theres nobody more eager to have Brown back than Osweiler, who will work with Brown in a game for the first time on Sunday.I dont really foresee any challenges between Duane and myself, Osweiler said. Just all smiles there. Any time you get a player back like Duane, at quarterback theres nothing you can do but smile with that one.CLOWNEYS PROGRESS: Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney is finally healthy and contributing for the Texans after failing to make an impact over his first two injury-filled seasons in the league. The first overall pick in the 2014 draft will start his fifth straight game on Sunday, which will be the first time in any of his NFL seasons that hes played that many in a row. Clowneys emergence has been well-timed with the loss of Watt, who had season-ending back surgery last week. Clowney had a sack and two hits on Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota in the previous game, and he has five sacks in his past eight regular-season games.VIKINGS VULNERABILITY: Clowney has played both end spots in Houstons 3-4 scheme since Watt has been out, so both Vikings tackles will need to be prepared to block the 6-foot-5, 270-pound product of South Carolina. T.J. Clemmings has taken over on Bradfords blind side on the left, with Matt Kalil likely out for the season following hip surgery. On the right side, Andre Smith left the previous game with an injury to his right arm. Jeremiah Sirles stepped in and will play again if Smith doesnt.Minnesotas offensive line has had its trouble, with only center Joe Berger the only starter in the same place as last season and the running game lagging at the bottom of the league with only 64.3 yards per game, but Bradfords quick release has helped with the pass protection. He wasnt sacked in the previous game.RARE VISIT: The Vikings have won all three matchups with the Texans, who entered the NFL in 2002 and have made only one prior regular-season visit to Minnesota. The Vikings beat Houston 28-21 at the Metrodome in 2008, behind three touchdown passes by Gus Frerotte and an end zone interception of Texans quarterback Sage Rosenfels.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL coverage on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Custom Rangers Jerseys . Roman Josi had a goal and an assist to lead the Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. Ivan Rodriguez Jersey Large . Deulofeu injured a muscle in his right leg in Evertons 4-1 win over Fulham in the English Premier League on Saturday. Barcelona says that its team doctors will "co-ordinate" with Evertons medical staff as Deulofeu recovers. http://www.custommlbrangersjersey.com/ . Their experience showed Tuesday as the No. 10 Badgers blunted a Saint Louis surge to win 63-57 and advance to face West Virginia in Wednesdays finals of the Cancun Challenge. Cheap Custom Rangers Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Custom Rangers Jersey China . -- The proud fathers huddled near the Dallas Stars dressing room, smiling, laughing and telling stories while wearing replica green sweaters of their sons team. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. -- Jacorey Williams had 22 points and Middle Tennessee held off Murray State for an 87-81 win on Tuesday night.Giddy Potts, who made two late free throws to seal the win, finished with 16 points and Reggie Upshaw added 15 and grabbed eight rebounds. Xavier Habersham chipped in 12 points for Middle Tennessee (2-0).The Blue Raiders took control under the boards, scoring 42 points in the paint while limiting Murray State to 24. Middle Tennessee also won the rebound battle 40 to 34.The Bluee Raiders had a 41-39 lead at the break and won the second half 46-42, making 32 of 65 field goal attempts for the game while holding the Racers to 42.dddddddddddd.9 percent shooting.Jonathan Stark and Damarcus Croaker led the way for Murray State (1-1), scoring 23 points apiece. Stark also dished out eight assists. Bryce Jones added 17 points with four assists and three steals. ' ' '