The Houston Texans (+1,400 to win AFC title) secured sole possession of the top spot in the AFC South thanks to a dominant win over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Up ahead for the 4-3 Texans is a date with the struggling and banged-up Miami Dolphins (+1,200 to win AFC East), who will look to stop Deshaun Watson and company’s win streak.
It’s a rough time for the Dolphins these days. Aside from the fact that they just ate a 32-21 loss to the Detroit Lions last Sunday at home – their third defeat in four games – the Dolphins are also left dealing with a barrage of injuries, particularly to their wide receivers unit. Against the Lions, Miami saw the pair of Kenny Still and Albert Wilson exit the game prematurely with respective lower-body injuries. Their availability next week in in jeopardy and it’s probably a safer bet to expect them sitting out the matchup with the Texans. What that would mean is a heavier workload for the Dolphins’ backfield that generated 107 rushing yards against Detroit. The problem is that Houston is eighth in the league in rushing defense, so Miami’s offense will have to be a little more creative. Brock Osweiler will also remain as Miami’s starter with Ryan Tannehill ruled out of Week 8.
Going into the game, the Dolphins are both 1-2 straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) when playing on the road. The over is 2-0 in Miami’s last two road games.
Betting on the Houston Texans (3-3)
The Texans showed the Jacksonville Jaguars who’s the boss in the AFC South in a 20-7 road win in Week 7. Houston’s defense and running game gave quarterback Deshaun Watson he needed to repulse the Jags. Watson, who played with ribs and lungs issues, threw for just 139 passing yards and a touchdown, while Lamar Miller racked up 100 of the team’s 144 rushing yards to go with a rushing score. Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney had two sacks, while Tyrann Mathieu each had a sack. The sack-happy Texans could replicate their pass rushing success against the Jags in this Sunday’s matchup with Miami, which allowed four sacks in Week 7 to Detroit.
On the season so far, the Texans are 2-1 SU but interestingly 0-3 ATS which is something bettors will want to take note of. The under is 3-0 in Houston’s last three games overall.
