Defensive battle expected for Thursday Night Matchup

Miami Dolphins (+7 ½) at Houston Texans (44 ½)

A low scoring affair is expected Thursday night football when the Dolphins visit the Texans in Houston. Not so much that the defenses are so dominant but the fact that Houston QB Deshawn Watson is still recovering from a lung injury and Miami QB Ryan Tannehill is out with an injured shoulder should put a damper on both offenses. Former Texan Brock Osweiler again gets the start for the Fins but his offensive game plan will be compromised greatly as speed receivers Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson are both sidelined with injuries.

The Dolphins will have to stop their former RB Lamar Miller and get a strong rushing game out of their own young star Kenyan Drake. Osweiler has thrown for over 600 yards in his past two starts but as usual, the story when playing the Texans is how to block their dominant pass rushers JJ Watt and Bozo favorite Jadeveon Clowney. These wrecking balls can wreak havoc on opposing QBs if let loose in the backfield.

Houston, after losing their first three games, has catapulted into 1^st place in the AFC South after winning their last four despite scoring only 20, 20 and 19 points in their last 3 wins. Their smothering and opportunistic defense could be too much for Mr. Brocktober, especially without his speed weapons to check off to on the outside. Dolphin Coach Adam Gase will have to execute an almost perfect game plane and keep Osweiler out of trouble to keep this one close. The Fins defense cannot afford to let DeAndre Hopkins steal the game with his speed and hands. Miami needs this one to stay in the AFC playoff picture.

The Under is the play here at 44 ½ and the Fins getting more than a TD in a close game warrants a small play as well.

-HB