Miami Dolphins at Houston Texans NFL Picks & Betting Odds
Written October 10, 2008 by Brad Marchetti
The unheralded Dolphins are getting no respect by NFL betting odds makers, as they head to face the winless Houston Texans on the road. Miami has improved dramatically under the guidance of GM Bill Parcells, who has put his stamp on the franchise. The Miami Dolphins vs Houston Texans line is interesting when you consider that the Fins just knocked off two Superbowl contenders in a row in New England and San Diego. Still, the boys in Vegas are not sold on a team that was 1-15 just a year ago. The NFL betting odds for the Miami Dolphins vs Houston Texans game is Houston -3.
Ronnie Brown is tearing up the turf as he gets stronger and stronger on his new knee. Brown along with smart QB Chad Pennington cruising, the Fins are averaging 26.5 points in their last two games. Chad seems to be a good fit with Miami. Wideouts Greg Camarillo (17 Rec. 214 Yds. 1 TD), Ted Ginn (4.30 40-speed) and Anthony Fasano (14 Rec. 197 Yds. 2 TD) have improved a struggling unit. Chad Pennington (93.5 passer rating) still has great eyes in the pocket, and Houston’s secondary is allowing an alarming 100.1 passer rating. Add into the mix the Dolphins confusing Wildcat formation, and Houston has plenty to deal with. The Texans defense has been torched for 8 rushing TD’s and 4.5 yards per carry, making the end zone an inviting target for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Texans MLB DeMeco Ryans is still a tackling machine, but more players need to step up.
Houston has discovered a new dynamic to their offense in RB Steve Slaton. Slaton (4.40 40-speed) has the type of ability that head coach Gary Kubiak needs to get his offense cranking. The Texans QB situation is decent with either Schaub or Rosenfels. Schuab is expected to start this game after sitting out against the Colts with a viral infection. Dual Texans revolvers Steve Slaton (5.0 YPC. 3 TD’s) will challenge Miami’s 7th ranked defense along with WR Andre Johnson (4.30 40-speed). The Texans O-line has given up 10 sacks in 4 games and will face a Dolphins defense that has harassed QB’s for 12 sacks. Miami OLB Joey Porter (5.5 sacks) is playing at the pro-bowl level of his prime. NT Jason Ferguson has also solidified Miami’s D. Miami’s coverage could get violated by two good targets in Johnson or TE Owen Daniels (19 Rec. 238 Yds. 0 TD) if they get good QB play.
Miami has surprised some, but the Texans own the 13th best offense in the NFL. Steve Slaton has suddenly made them dangerous. The NFL betting odds OVER\UNDER is at 44.5 points for the Miami Dolphins vs Houston Texans game.
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