Texans +3½ vs Dolphins
Game Time: 10/1/2006 1:00:00 PM
By: Phil Steele
Taking the points and the home team is the way to go this Sunday when the Texans host the Dolphins in NFL Week 4 action.
The Texans stunned the Dolphins in the 2003 season opener by winning 21-20 as a 13-pt away dog as Miami completely overlooked Houston.
The Texans have a bye week on deck (3-1 ATS beforehand) and are 1-7 ATS as a home dog. For the second week in a row, the Texans are going to be viewed as the rebound team vs a team that was expected to have playoff hopes at the start of the season.
Last week Houston was outgained 495-261, but for the second week in a row a large chunk of their yardage (114 yds) was in garbage time. While Houston is not yet capable of playing from behind, it shows that head coach Gary Kubiak is getting the team to believe in his message and won’t quit unlike last year when they wilted after getting behind.
Miami beat the Titans last week, 13-10, but were far from impressive as they were outgained 316-289 and on four trips inside the Titans' 25 settled for a TD and a pair of FG. Quarterback Dante Culpepper was a bit better with 168 yds (65%) and a 0-0 ratio, but was sacked six times and his 15 sacks are 31st in the NFL as he holds the ball too long trying to make plays.
Houston is a very dangerous team as they have played two very good offenses and a good defense to start the year. They should get their first win here vs a disappointing Miami team.
Forecast: Houston-21 Miami-17
Play: Texans +3½
Game Time: 10/1/2006 1:00:00 PM
By: Phil Steele
Taking the points and the home team is the way to go this Sunday when the Texans host the Dolphins in NFL Week 4 action.
The Texans stunned the Dolphins in the 2003 season opener by winning 21-20 as a 13-pt away dog as Miami completely overlooked Houston.
The Texans have a bye week on deck (3-1 ATS beforehand) and are 1-7 ATS as a home dog. For the second week in a row, the Texans are going to be viewed as the rebound team vs a team that was expected to have playoff hopes at the start of the season.
Last week Houston was outgained 495-261, but for the second week in a row a large chunk of their yardage (114 yds) was in garbage time. While Houston is not yet capable of playing from behind, it shows that head coach Gary Kubiak is getting the team to believe in his message and won’t quit unlike last year when they wilted after getting behind.
Miami beat the Titans last week, 13-10, but were far from impressive as they were outgained 316-289 and on four trips inside the Titans' 25 settled for a TD and a pair of FG. Quarterback Dante Culpepper was a bit better with 168 yds (65%) and a 0-0 ratio, but was sacked six times and his 15 sacks are 31st in the NFL as he holds the ball too long trying to make plays.
Houston is a very dangerous team as they have played two very good offenses and a good defense to start the year. They should get their first win here vs a disappointing Miami team.
Forecast: Houston-21 Miami-17
Play: Texans +3½
