Weekly Dolphins prediction

Miami plays at the Houston Texans this afternoon. These two teams have met twice before, in both cases the Texans came out on top but narrowly. Last year's final score was 17-15. It was the last game Daunte Culpepper played a down for the Dolphins.

Miami's defense is banged up. Vonne Holliday and Donovin Darius are out.(There is still no sign despite all the injuries that the Dolphins will start Jason Allen. Why doesn't the team just cut this expensive bust) The good news, Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder COULD play. All these injuries doesn't help a team that's last in the NFL stopping the run and 30th in the league in points allowed. Miami is 3rd against the pass, but that's a mirage. Neither the Jets or Raiders threw the ball much against Miami. Why should they? Both teams could run the ball down the Dolphins throat at will.

The Texans don't have a very good running game. Ahman Green is also coming off an injury and will be a game day decision whether he plays or not.

Houston on the other hand has a good young defense, that has been tougher against the run than both Dallas and Washington, two teams Miami struggled against. Ronnie Brown was good the last two weeks but I'm expecting less from him this week. That means the Dolphins chances are liable to ride on the arm of Trent Green. An aging 37-year-old QB who has thrown more INTs than TDs this year.

Can Miami beat Houston? Yes, but I have no confidence in the team at present. A Miami loss today could mean an 0-8 start for the team this year. The schedule isn't getting easier. My prediction- Houston 24, Miami 17.

Linked to- Bright & Early, Bullwinkle, Rosemary, The World According to Carl,