Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche, Sean Donovan and Sam Hollingsworth pick the Miami Dolphins' Week 1 road matchup with the Houston Texans.
This one could get ugly. The Texans boast one of the most complete teams in the NFL, while the Dolphins are back to square one at a bunch of positions, namely with rookie Ryan Tannehill starting at quarterback. Look for Reggie Bush to have a decent game, though, as Tannehill will constantly be looking for him as a safety valve when he's not handing it off.
Nick's take:
This one could get ugly. The Texans boast one of the most complete teams in the NFL, while the Dolphins are back to square one at a bunch of positions, namely with rookie Ryan Tannehill starting at quarterback. Look for Reggie Bush to have a decent game, though, as Tannehill will constantly be looking for him as a safety valve when he's not handing it off.
Prediction: Texans 30, Dolphins 10.
Tannehill's on-the-job training begins with an advanced course, opening with a tough road test against an aggressive Houston defense. The Texans also have a potent offense, and have all the weapons to exploit a Miami defense still acclimating to a scheme change and personnel turnover. Miami is simply over-matched in every facet.
Sean's take:
Tannehill's on-the-job training begins with an advanced course, opening with a tough road test against an aggressive Houston defense. The Texans also have a potent offense, and have all the weapons to exploit a Miami defense still acclimating to a scheme change and personnel turnover. Miami is simply over-matched in every facet.
Prediction: Texans 28, Dolphins 17
Dan's take:
Miami's offense is still in question, while there's no question about a Texans attack that put up more than 350 yards against the Dolphins in Week 2 last year. The Texans' defense, which ranked second in yards-per-game allowed last season, will cause problems for Tannehill.
Prediction: Texans 24, Dolphins 10Sam's take:A lot of people expect the Dolphins to be a flop this season with no real threat at receiver and a rookie quarterback who doesn’t know what division teams belong to. They’ve got a new coach and are headed in the right direction, but the surging Texans will prove too much for the ‘Phins this time around.
