STAFF PREDICTIONS

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 4-4): Dolphins 27, Texans 17

Houston is what the Dolphins were in 2019 — a purposely bad team in a rebuild. Both teams are looking at this as a good chance to win, with both riding seven-game losing streaks. It’s Houston’s longest skid since dropping the final 14 games in 2013. If the Dolphins don’t win here, a 1-15 season is possible. Houston has history on its side, leading the all-time series 8-1.

Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 5-3): Dolphins 24, Texans 21

If the Dolphins can’t beat the Texans, a rudderless franchise, at home they would rival the 2007 team as the worst in franchise history. That makes this a must-win game for general manager Chris Grier and coach Brian Flores. Both are on the hot seat, considering the last three years spent rebuilding this franchise have been a waste of time and resources.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 53): Dolphins 27, Texans 20

If the Texans beat the Dolphins, it would be catastrophic for both teams. The rebuilding Texans would only move down in the draft. The Dolphins, who traded away their first-round pick because they thought they were done rebuilding, don’t benefit from a loss. Yes, halfway through the season, I’m looking at a game from a tanking perspective, but that’s what happens between two teams that are 1-7. Given what’s at stake, the Dolphins finally snap the losing streak.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 53): Dolphins 20, Texans 13

It’s rare that a 1-7 team is favored by a touchdown, but the Dolphins opening as 6 ½ -point favorites should come as no surprise. The Texans’ only win came at home against Jacksonville in Week 1. They have been especially futile on the road, going 0-4. Houston is last in the NFL in scoring (14.9 points per game) and 31st on offense (281.1 yards a game) and defense (30.1 points a game). The only good news for Houston is it will get back veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor after missing six games with a hamstring injury.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 5-3): Dolphins 23, Texans 20

Houston has a better record against Miami than any other team (8-1). But this is the worst Texans team the Dolphins will have faced. Houston has been outscored 133-29 on the road this season, a trend that should continue against a desperate Dolphins team that is sure to open up the playbook. The woeful Texans have scored just eight points in their last three road games — two field goals and a safety.

They also have committed nine turnovers during that stretch.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-4): Dolphins 32, Texans 6

The Dolphins look to take out a ton of frustration on the team with whom they have been linked with the Laremy Tunsil trade and Deshaun Watson rumors. In Houston’s Tyrod Taylor, the Dolphins face an old nemesis who has had success against them while playing for the Buffalo Bills. But he’s not the same quarterback, especially after being sidelined the last six weeks. Expect a defensive feeding frenzy and Tua Tagovailoa’s best game in his 15th start.