Dolphins vs Texans NFL Week 8 Odds & Preview

The Miami Dolphins head to the Lone Star State on a short week to take on the Houston Texans. The Dolphins still don’t know if quarterback Ryan Tannehill (shoulder) will be able to come back in time for this game; if he can’t, then Brock Osweiler will make his third appearance of the season. Last week, Osweiler threw for 239 yards but the defense couldn’t limit Detroit, as the Lions rolled to a 32-21 win. The Texans went to Jacksonville and stifled that Jaguars’ defense, winning in convincing fashion, 20-7. It seems like it’s been a long time since Miami went to New England in first place in the AFC East, only to take a thumping, and the Dolphins could use a resurgent game in Houston. What will the Texans have to say about that? Take a look at our NFL betting preview of the Dolphins vs Texans.

Dolphins vs Texans NFL Week 8 Odds & Preview

MIA ✈️ HOU #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/HIFj9UBuMj

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 24, 2018

When: Thursday, October 25, 2018, 8:20pm ET Where: NRG Stadium, Houston TV: FOX/NFL Network Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: NFL Live NFL Week 8 Odds: Houston -7, O/U 45.5

Why should you bet on the Dolphins?

Miami has some hurdles to climb for this game, as they have lost seven of eight on the road and three of four overall. Osweiler hasn’t been awful in relief of Tannehill, throwing six touchdowns against just a pair of interceptions, and he has completed 67.5 percent of his passes. Danny Amendola and Albert Wilson have made a solid receiving tandem this season, combining for five scores. Frank Gore has been turning back the clock at tailback, rumbling for 332 yards in an attack that averages almost 107 yards on the ground per game. On defense, Miami has been more porous lately, averaging 25.3 points permitted per game, and more than 405 yards per contest. It’s hard to argue too strenuously for Miami to cover here, as they allowed 200 rushing yards to a Detroit team that doesn’t run the ball well last week. In their last 10 games when they are an underdog of at least seven points, they have only covered four times, and they have only covered once in their last eight road games. If you think Miami can get to Deshaun Watson, then you might pick them, but it’s a stretch to be sure with the Dolphins sending in a backup quarterback.

Why should you put your money on the Texans?

Houston comes in with an impressive four-game winning streak and looks to continue to move away from the rest of the AFC South, as Tennessee’s bizarre decision to go for two instead of kicking the extra point and going to overtime with the Chargers last week led to a loss for the Titans. Watson has a 10:7 TD:INT ratio but has thrown at least two scoring passes in eight of his last 12 contests. DeAndre Hopkins continues to show why he is one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL, and Lamar Miller provides balance with 371 yards on the ground so far. The Texans’ defense permits just 20.6 points per game, and Zach Cunningham leads the team with 61 tackles. J.J. Watt is having a terrific comeback season, with seven sacks so far. Houston has only covered the spread once in their last 11 contests and has failed to cover the spread in any of their last five games at home. However, the Texans get to face a backup quarterback here and have shown solid defense for three weeks in a row.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction for Dolphins vs Texans

I’ve been waiting to see Deshaun Watson break out in his return from that ACL tear last year, and he is starting to show signs of doing just that. I see the Texans feasting on a few mistakes by Brock Osweiler and rolling to a 27-9 win.