Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Who has the edge?
Thursday night clash features 4-3 teams trending in different directions
The Miami Dolphins will visit the Houston Texans for a Thursday night matchup of 4-3 teams trending in different directions.
When the Dolphins pass: Brock Osweiler played it safe in his second game as Miami’s starting quarterback, finishing 22 of 31 for 239 yards with two touchdowns in the Dolphins’ 32-21 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. Osweiler even took a few shots down the field, his most memorable connected with Danny Amendola for a 24-yard touchdown on a busted play. Osweiler has completed 67.5 percent of his passes (above his career mark of 59.8), and an intimate knowledge of coach Adam Gase’s scheme while not deviating much from a conservative game plan. He may wish to unleash a bit against the Texans, his former team, in Thursday’s game. But the Texans defense (eighth in the NFL, surrendering 20.6 points per game) and lack of healthy receivers (Albert Wilson, Kenny Stills) present a challenge. Edge: Texans
When the Texans pass: Deshaun Watson is one of the most dynamic young quarterbacks in the NFL, but he’s dealing with a chest injury that required him to travel by bus to and from Jacksonville for last Sunday’s game against the Jaguars. The Texans were afraid airplane pressure would affect Watson’s bruised lung and injured ribs, but that was no longer a concern as of Monday. Watson has led the Texans to four straight wins, including two victories in overtime. Watson’s numbers, however, have taken a turn: He threw for more than 300 yards from Weeks 2 through 5, but has not topped 180 yards in his last two games. Watson’s ability to be a dual threat will keep the Dolphins defense (ranked 27th in the league, giving up 405.3 yards per game) on its toes.
Edge: Texans
When the Dolphins run: Outside for one run, the Dolphins rushing attack was largely subdued by the Lions. Kenyan Drake was able to break free for a 54-yard run for a touchdown in the third quarter but the Dolphins only rushed for 53 more yards against the Lions. Frank Gore played his second straight game as the Dolphins’ featured back, but was unable to break free (10 carries, 29 yards) like he did the previous week (15 carries for 101 yards). Drake finished with just 18 more rushing yards after his big play. The Dolphins will need to sustain a rushing attack without receiver depth, but the Texans defense is also stout, giving up just 92.1 rushing yards per game. Edge: Texans
When the Texans run: The Texans rushing attack — paced by Watson and running backs Lamar Miller, a former Miami Dolphin, and Alfred Blue — is a middle of the pack unit in the NFL, ranking 15th among 32 teams. Houston averages 113.7 yards per game, led by Miller, who rushed for 100 yards for the first time this season last week. Watson’s ability to escape the pocket and his flirtations with crossing the line of scrimmage will keep the Dolphins defense on edge. Watson and Blue are tied with 216 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown this season. The Dolphins defense has surrendered 136.7 yards per game on the ground this year, which is 29th in the NFL.
Edge: Texans
Special teams: Houston kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is tied for the NFL lead in made field goals, but is 21st in the league at 85 percent (17 of 20). Dolphins rookie kicker Jason Sanders is slightly better percentage-wise (6 of 7, 85.7 percent), but just missed his first field goal of the season against the Lions. This game will be a battle of field position thanks to the punters. Houston’s Trevor Daniel has 17 punts placed inside the 20-yard line, while Miami’s Matt Haack has 16 this season. Dolphins returner Jakeem Grant remains as the only player to return a punt and kickoff for touchdowns this season. His 452 kickoff return yards also leads the NFL. Edge: Dolphins
Intangibles: The Dolphins will play in their fourth Thursday night road game in as many seasons. Miami is 0-3 in the previous three games. … The Dolphins enter this contest on the brink of a .500 record, sitting at 4-3 after their 3-0 start to the season. … The Texans, meanwhile, started 0-3 and have won four in a row, including two overtime games to start their winning streak. … The Texans defense has forced three turnovers in consecutive weeks, while the Dolphins defense failed to force a turnover in a game for the first time all season against the Lions. Edge: Texans
Prediction: Texans 20, Dolphins 17