Dolphins Take On Texans In Pivotal Road Contest

HOUSTON, TX – It always feels good after a win, but a problem looms. The end of the regular season is near, and the Miami Dolphins are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. Their opponent this weekend is a road matchup against one of the AFC’s finest – the Houston Texans.

Their win over the New York Jets was much more theatrical than it probably had to be. That doesn’t fare well for Miami as their next few opponents mainly consist of teams like the Dolphins, looking to lock up a playoff spot. It doesn’t get much easier than the Jets, though the San Francisco 40-Injuries are making a strong case.

Still, this is a game that not many people are giving Miami a shot at. It’s partially justified from how good Houston is, and also that annoying stereotype that follows the Dolphins. If you know, you know.

A Win Will Always Be A Win

There’s not much to say about Miami’s offense that wasn’t expected. Tua was on point all game and the Dolphins utilized Tyreek Hill more often than not. The running game continues to be mixed with not enough yardage to be considered efficient.

The best surprise came with the underutilization of Jonnu Smith. After not catching one pass all game, he records three receptions and the game-winning touchdown in overtime. I’m curious where this stemmed pre-game, but it did ultimately work out for them.

Jason Sanders continues to be a mixed bag as Miami’s kicker. While he missed a PAT which turned out to be a MASSIVE miss, he did deliver every time afterward, including trying up the game late.

Dolphins, WR Odell Beckham Jr. mutually agree to part ways. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/wNmx84eqCD

— NFL (@NFL) December 13, 2024

One person that underdelivered this season has been Odell Beckham Jr, and he’s gone. With nine receptions as a Dolphin, his underwhelming career in Miami is highlighted by a first down against Los Angeles which sealed the game. That money for OBJ could have gone towards extending Andrew Van Ginkel. Just saying.

The Dolphins defense had their issues throughout the game. The amount of check-downs and fourth-down conversions they gave up to Aaron Rodgers is a little concerning. Granted, this Jets team had nothing to realistically play for and played the best they could.

To Miami’s credit, they made adjustments in the second half and added more pressure on Rodgers as the game progressed, which worked out pretty well. When they needed to make a play to give the ball back to Tua, they did, and I suppose that’s the most you can ask them for.

Lonely In The Lone Star State

Did Houston peak?

But seriously, CJ Stroud and this Texans offense turned heads last season and looked to take the next big step this season. While they have an 8-5 record and control their destiny to a divisional title…eh?

They’ve looked great in some games, including a close win over Buffalo. But in other games, they’ve been humiliated by teams like the Jets, Minnesota, and Tennessee. Thankfully for them, they play in a division that only has one team with a winning record – being, well, Houston.

Most normal CJ Stroud dropback pic.twitter.com/KjoO6PIV2y

— Anthony Lawson (@esquireanthony1) December 3, 2024

Stroud has had a good season, with 3,117 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. I don’t feel he’s ready to be called elite as his decision-making has taken a hit at times. Speaking of hits, Stroud has been sacked 41 times – the seventh-most in the NFL. An injured offensive line will do that, but it’s been especially frustrating for this unit.

The Playmakers Can Make Plays

Houston has a great receiving room. Nico Collins and Tank Dell are solid pieces that have provided reliability to Stroud during his short tenure with the Texans. A lot of people had their doubts about Stefon Diggs and his role at H-Town. So far, he’s been fine with 486 yards and three touchdowns, but not a game-changer.

Their running game is highlighted by Joe Mixon. The lifelong member of the Bengals has made a splash with Houston this season with 887 yards and 11 touchdowns. While not Lamar Jackson, Stroud is a solid runner when he has to escape the pocket.

Overall, their offense is pretty middle-of-the-road. They average 335.2 yards per game, which is the 18th most in the league and only three more than Miami.

Houston’s defense is great. They allow the fifth-fewest yards in the NFL. Their 16 interceptions are the second-most in the NFL behind Minnesota. Safety Calen Bullock has been a magnet for the ball with four picks of his own. There are three defenders with over 60 tackles, with Hentry To’oTo’o leading the way with 76.

Final Thoughts

Yeah, I don’t think Miami’s winning this one.

They keep wanting to prove the narrative that they can beat good teams but they can’t. Houston is playing to hopefully lock up a Divisional title. While they might be banged up, their main weapons on both sides of the ball are good to go.

I think Tua’s going to be tested today, and while I do think he’ll have a solid game, it won’t be enough. This game will come down to Miami’s defense, and I don’t think they have the healthy playmakers available to get this done.

HOUSTON – 28

MIAMI – 24