Surprising Dolphins Seek To Keep Streaking Against Disappointing Texans
The Houston Texans (0-4 SU, 1-3 ATS, 4-0 O/U), entered the 2008 season hoping to improve on their solid 8-8 record from a season ago while making a legitimate push to reach the postseason but have failed miserably while getting off to an 0-4 start.
The Miami Dolphins (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS, 2-2 O/U), came into the 2008 season just looking to make some positive strides after posting a miserable 1-15 mark in 2007, but are arguably the biggest surprise team in the league after pulling off consecutive upsets, including Sunday’s 17-10 home win over the San Diego Chargers.
The Texans are hoping to record their first win of the season while keeping the Dolphins from getting on the plus-side of things in the win column in the BetUS Sportsbook when the two young teams meet at Reliant Stadium on Sunday.
The Texans are coming off a 31-27 loss against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in one of the most memorable collapses in recent memory, giving up three touchdowns, including two touchdown passes by Colts quarterback Peyton Manning in the final 4:04 of regulation.
The Dolphins covered as 6-point underdogs in Week 5 as quarterback Chad Pennington completed 22 of 29 passes for 228 yards and one touchdown and running back Ronnie Brown rushing for 125 yards on 24 carries with one touchdown.
“It’s only two wins, but coming from last year, it seems like we’re on top of the world,” said Dolphins linebacker Matt Roth.
Miami has improved immensely on the defensive side of the ball and limited the Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers to just 13 of 28 passing for 159 yards, while simultaneously containing prolific running back LaDainian Tomlinson to just 35 yards on 12 carries.
The Texans will have starting quarterback Matt Schaub under center this week after he missed last week’s contest with a virus, but the Texans have watched helplessly as Schaub has thrown five interceptions while getting sacked eight times in three games.
“You can’t wait for that next opportunity to get out on the field and get a win,” Schaub said. “We’re definitely looking forward to getting back out there this week and getting past this last game and moving on.”
Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Wagering Free Picks:
Dolphins
Miami is 8-13-2 ATS in its last 23 games
Miami is 3-20 SU in its last 23 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Miami’s last 9 games
Miami is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Texans
Houston is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Houston’s last 5 games
Houston is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Houston’s last 6 games at home
NFL Odds
Miami Dolphins +3 Ev
Houston Texans -3 -120
Over 44½ -110
Under 44½ -110
Analysis: Bill Parcells knows how to build a football team and the Dolphins are flying high right now. Houston, on the other hand, looks totally clueless and have to be seriously discouraged at this point, seeing as how their postseason hopes are already up in flames.
Take the Dolphins to make it three straight wins by spanking the lowly Texans.
