Fresh off a bye week, the Houston Texans return home to take on the red-hot Miami Dolphins in Week 15. With a win, Houston would inch closer to securing a playoff berth and the AFC South division title.
Houston (8-5) enters Sunday’s showdown a 3.5-point favorite against a Maimi (6-7) roster that’s won four of its last five games, according to odds from BetMGM. The over/under for points is currently set at 47.
The Dolphins surged their way back down eight points to secure a 32-26 overtime victory against the New York Jets, thus eliminating the AFC East franchise from the postseason picture. Tua Tagovailoa threw two late touchdown passes, including the 10-yard score to tight end Jonnu Smith in overtime.
“When the Dolphins play well, they have a really good quarterback play. Tua [Tagovailoa] when he is on, getting the ball out fairly quickly and there is a lot of speed on the field,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday. “Whoever he gets the ball to, whether it’s [De’Von] Achane or its [Tyreek] Hill, [Jaylen] Waddle, Jonnu, all those guys play extremely fast.
“They have the ability to take a five-yard pass and turn it into an explosive.”
Week 15’s matchup will have extensive playoff implications for both parties. If the Dolphins lost, the Denver Broncos could be in a playoff-clinching scenario come Week 16. Should Houston win, it would create the same outlook if the Indianapolis Colts were to lose on the road against Denver.
The Texans lead the all-time series, 8-3, but have lost the previous two matchups, including a 30-15 loss in their most recent showdown in 2022.
Kickoff from NRG Stadium is scheduled for noon CT.
