(Betting Express) - Mike Tice finally earned his first win as an NFL head coach last week against Detroit. Daunte Culpepper threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns on 27-of-36 passing. He also chipped in with 39 rushing yards on six carries, including a seven-yard scoring scamper.

"It was a big win for us not only that it was our first win but a win," Culpepper said. "We will have to build on this. We have 11 more games and we will have to build on this. One week at a time, next is the Jets. The main thing is we stuck together and we can build off that. We need to stick together and stay focused."

This week's opponent, the New York Jets, have the same record as the Vikes, as both teams enter Sunday's matchup at 1-4. Culpepper will look to take advantage of a New York defense that has been porous this season.

Culpepper's biggest problem, however, has been turnovers. In five games, he has thrown nine interceptions to go along with just seven touchdowns. That ratio isn't very good considering the talent that the Vikings have on the offensive side of the football. Culpepper has also put the ball on the ground five times this season, but that is a result of his poor pass protection. The Vikings, who have played the entire season thus far without rookie holdout OT Bryant McKinnie, have surrendered 17 sacks so far this season. That's unacceptable, especially with the mobility that Culpepper possesses. Last week, the team surrendered two sacks to a Detroit team that lacks a solid pass rush.

The good news for the Vikings is that the sack number should go down a bit because tight ends Jim Kleinsasser and Byron Chamberlain have recovered from injuries and are back in the lineup. Their presence gives Culpepper a dump-off option when WRs Randy Moss, Derrick Alexander and D'Wayne Bates are blanketed by defensive backs.

"Jimmy and Byron are two of our better players," Tice said. "We'll be able to get them involved in our passing game. We can see Byron and Jimmy out there blocking on the edge and pass protecting. It really gives us a lot more weapons.

"Teams are going to try to take Randy out of the 'ratio.' And if they do, we have got to be patient and take what they give us."

Another facet that should help the Vikings' passing game is their improved ground game. Michael Bennett is starting to look like the running back he was supposed to be last season, and Tice is starting to call his number more often. Against the Lions, Bennett rushed 16 times for 68 yards, but his biggest contribution came as a receiver. The second-year running back caught four passes for 70 yards, including one for a 45-yard touchdown.

"I've been waiting all year to do something like that," Bennett said. "Just to give the fans something to talk about. I felt really good about the offense."

COMING UP: The Vikes return to the comforts of the Metrodome in Week 8 to host the Chicago Bears in a key NFC North matchup.