Tannehill seeks his fifth consecutive game with multiple touchdown passes. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Texans (2-4) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at SunLife Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. – TV: CBS
*TV announcers: Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
*Keys to the game: The Texans still haven’t received much from RB Arian Foster (2.3 yards per carry), but he’s still knocking off the rust in just his third game of the season and the Dolphins allow 4.3 yards per carry and 141 yards per game on the ground. After watching the reemergence of DE Cam Wake (four sacks last week), Texans coach Bill O’Brien doesn’t want QB Brian Hoyer forced to attack downfield in long passing situations.
Dolphins interim coach Dan Campbell hinted at a dedicated focus on the ground game offensively, and Miami delivered in his first game last week with Lamar Miller producing 113 yards on 19 carries and Miami’s backs getting 28 carries in all against Tennessee. TE Jordan Cameron also has an increased focus in the passing game as he was targeted a team-high eight times (three catches, 30 yards and a touchdown). DT Vince Wilfork is still a large force in the middle of the Texans’ defense and Houston will attempt to shut down Miller and force QB Ryan Tannehill to decipher complex blitzes.
*Matchup to watch – Texans DL J.J. Watt vs. Dolphins RG Billy Turner: Turner lost his job to rookie Jamil Douglas shortly after the season started, but regained it under Campbell, who appreciates Turner’s “physical presence.” Watt often slides inside on passing downs, when he no doubt will face double-team attention from Turner & Co.
*Player spotlight – Dolphins FS Walt Aikens: After losing his starting job to Michael Thomas, Aikens is another player getting an extended second look from Campbell. He played 65 percent of the defensive snaps last week compared to 49 percent for Aikens.
*Fast facts: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins in the first player in NFL history with nine-plus catches and at least 145 receiving yards in three consecutive games. … Tannehill seeks his fifth consecutive game with multiple touchdown passes.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
The Dolphins received the expected initial boost from interim coach Dan Campbell. Now the question is whether they can maintain that focus and physicality in their lead up to a showdown with New England next week.
*Our pick: Dolphins 23-20.
