The Miami Dolphins are set to face off against the Houston Texans this Sunday in a significant AFC matchup. The Dolphins, riding high after winning four of their last five games, hold a 6-7 record and are fighting for their playoff lives. Meanwhile, the Texans, who have a strong 8-5 record and lead the AFC South, are returning to action following a bye week. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 pm EST.
Read on for insights and predictions regarding the Dolphins vs. Texans game.
Dolphins Facing Pressure
The Miami Dolphins narrowly escaped a loss against the New York Jets last week, securing a thrilling 32-26 overtime victory. The Dolphins found themselves trailing late in the game, but kicker Jason Sanders sent the game into overtime with a 42-yard field goal with just seven seconds left in regulation. In overtime, Tua Tagovailoa connected with Jonnu Smith for a 10-yard touchdown pass, sealing a vital win.
“We were pushing each other to stay focused,” Tagovailoa said. “It was all about being in the right spots and executing our plays.”
Tagovailoa shone in the win, throwing for 331 yards and two touchdowns. Tyreek Hill was the standout receiver, recording 10 catches for 115 yards and a touchdown. Despite finishing with 329 total yards, the Dolphins struggled on third down, converting only 1 of 9 attempts, but succeeded on both fourth down tries. Defensively, Jordyn Brooks led the charge with nine tackles, including a sack, while the Dolphins’ defense allowed 402 total yards but limited the Jets to just 2 of 5 in red zone opportunities.
With four games remaining, the Dolphins recognize the urgency of winning out to secure a playoff spot. Currently, they rank 23rd in scoring offense and have struggled in the rushing game, sitting at 30th. However, with Tagovailoa back in action, they are now 2nd in the NFL in passing over the last three weeks. Defensively, they hold respectable rankings, sitting 14th in scoring defense and 9th in total defense.
Key Injuries: WR Grant DuBose and WR Dee Eskridge are out. LB Bradley Chubb, RB Raheem Mostert, and LB Anthony Walker Jr. are questionable.
Texans Return Refreshed
The Houston Texans are back in action after a much-needed bye week. They come into this matchup with an 8-5 record and are currently in control of the AFC South. In their last outing, the Texans edged out the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-20, thanks to Joe Mixon’s impressive performance, where he rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown.
“This win gives us momentum, but we needed the break,” said Texans coach DeMeco Ryans. “It’s been a long stretch, and our players were feeling the fatigue.”
Mixon has been a key player for Houston, achieving over 100 rushing yards and scoring at least once in six road games this season. Quarterback CJ Stroud also had a solid game, completing 22 of 34 passes for 242 yards and a touchdown, with tight end Dalton Schultz catching five passes for 61 yards and the touchdown.
With their sights set on a home playoff game, the Texans need to remain vigilant against a Dolphins team that will be playing with urgency. They currently rank 11th in scoring offense and 18th in total offense, with notable defensive metrics placing them 12th in scoring defense and 5th in total defense.
Key Injuries: G Kenyon Green is out. C Juice Scruggs is doubtful. S Jalen Pitre, WR Xavier Hutchinson, and DT Folorunso Fatukasi are questionable.
Betting Insights for Dolphins vs. Texans
