The Miami Dolphins (4-3) travel to Houston on Thursday Night to face the red-hot Texans (4-3), leaders of the AFC South after winning four straight games.
The Dolphins are going in the opposite direction as they have lost three of their last four after winning their first three games of the season.
Facing the Texans on the road on a short week does not help a Dolphins team that is dealing with a lot of injuries, including that of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who’s dealing with a nagging shoulder injury, has been ruled out and will miss his third straight game. He’s expected to be ready for the home game against the New York Jets on November 4.
Brock Osweiler, who this season has thrown for 654 yards, six touchdowns, and two picks, will make his third straight start for the Dolphins as he will be going against his former team and a pass defense that is ranked 13th in the NFL as it allows 237.71 yards per game with a heavily undermined offense.
The Dolphins’ are without, wide receivers Albert Wilson (out for the season with a hip injury) and Kenny Stills, who’s dealing with a groin injury, while tight end A.J Derby (dealing with a foot injury) is listed as questionable and is unlikely to play tonight.
All these injuries will make things very difficult for Osweiler as he faces a very aggressive Texans defense featuring linebacker Jadeveon Clowney and defensive end J.J. Watt
Expect a heavier dose of Frank Gore and Kenyon Drake from the Dolphins to try and help Osweiler settle down, however, don’t expect much from them as they will be going against the 8th-ranked rushing defense in the league.
Meanwhile for the Texans look for Deshaun Watson to have a good game against a pass defense that is giving up 268.57 yards per game and is ranked 23rd in the league.
The Dolphins are even worse against the run allowing 136.71 yards per game, which ranks them 29th in the NFL, so perhaps running back Lamar Miller, who last week scored his first rushing touchdown of the season, could reach 100 yards for a second straight game and find the end zone once again.
Prediction: The Dolphins are dealing with too many injuries on the offensive side of the ball to pose a serious threat in this game, while their defense is far from being an elite unit. The Texans will win, and it may not be even close if Watson and Miller get rolling early.
