The Houston Texans and the Miami Dolphins face off in Reliant Stadium on Sunday as they kick off their 2012 NFL Seasons.
The Houston Texans played in and won their first playoff games in team history last season and this year they are thinking they have what it takes to go all of the way to the Super Bowl. QB Matt Schaub has emerged as one of the NFL’s best and after missing a good portion of last year and the playoffs he is ready to lead the Texans once again. Arian Foster has developed into a top tier NFL running back and Ben Tate could start for a lot of teams. Andre Johnson had a a string of injuries last year and kevin Walter joins him this year in a starting role and look for DeVier Posey to be a major contributor as is tight end Owen Daniels. The Texans have a strong offensive line but Derek Newton will need to step in for the departed Eric Winston. Defensively for Houston Demeco Ryans and Mario Williams are gone but JJ Watt is a blooming star and Brian Cushing is a game changer. The Texans secondary was outstanding last year as the defense was greatly improved under new coordinator Wade Phillips. This year there are expectations of the Texans beyond what they have ever been and they will be feeling the pressure no matter whom they are playing.
It’s new era for the Miami Dolphins as the Miami Dolphins as they try to build a competitive team under new Head Coach Joe Philbin. Rookie Ryan Tannehill takes over at QB and looks to develop into a long term starter, something the Dolphins haven’t had since Dan Marino. Tannehill has help in the backfield with Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, and Lamar Miller all having a unique skill set. Miami appears to be a little thin at receiver where Legedu Naanee and Davone Bess are the starters and Anthony Armstrong was picked up off of waivers from the Redskins. As bad as the Dolphins have been their defense has been pretty good it has just been that they spend a lot of time on the field. Cameron Wake has been a force on the pass rush and Paul Solai and Randy Starks should be able to plug up the middle. Karlos Dansby is in the middle of the defense at MLB and Richard Marshall and Sean Smith make up a nice set of corners. If the Dolphins are going to improve it is going to be a process more than likely and not a worst to first type of scenario.
Houston is 8-2-2 against the spread in their last 12 games overall, 6-1-2 against the spread in their last nine games against AFC teams, and 6-2-2 against the spread in their last 10 home games. Miami is 6-0 against the spread in their last six games against AFC teams, 9-1 against the spread in their last 10 games overall, and 22-8-1 against the spread in their last 31 road games. The underdog has covered in five of the last six meetings of these two.
The Texans are a very good team and the Dolphins simply aren't and anything South of doube digits looks like a gift in this one.
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