As I start writing this I am struck by the fact that the only reason we know anything about this team is because of Hard Knocks – if people still watch it (there is no juice with the franchise right now). <\/p>\n
Miami Dolphins (0-0) vs Houston Texans (0-0) Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Miami<\/strong><\/p>\n This team was mediocre last year and is probably worse now than when it finished the season.<\/p>\n Starting the season at Houston does them no favours other than an offer easy excuse as to why they started the season with an ugly loss.<\/p>\n If rookie Steve Tanneyhill is in fact an NFL QB than things won\u2019t be as ugly as I think they will be – \u00a0I just don\u2019t think he is.<\/p>\n Last year they had success running the ball with Reggie Bush and power back Daniel Thomas can be an effective weapon but who is who is going to catch the passes from Tanneyhill.<\/p>\n Last year the Phish surprised because of a stout defense, but they aren\u2019t that good and will tire quickly, especially against a methodical Houston attack.<\/p>\n This is a huge number for the first week and it reflects an utter lack of faith in Miami to do anything on offense. \u00a0If you disagree with that opinion than you should hit this hard because an opportunity like this may not come for a while. \u00a0If you agree then I would suggest staying away. \u00a0Its just too many points.<\/p>\n Houston<\/strong><\/p>\n Is Houston really a Super Bowl contender? \u00a0I don\u2019t think so but they should definitely repeat last year\u2019s playoff performance with about 10 or 11 victories. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n The easiest one of the year might come in the opener against a Dolphins team that is ripe for a stomping. \u00a0Houston may not have a championship calibre team but they are solid in all phases and beginning to develop some swagger.<\/p>\n Houston is very sharp on offense and returning all the key cogs from last year\u2019s playoff squad, with the added bonus of a healthy Matt Schaub – at least for now. \u00a0There are some rumours Arian Foster might be dinged up but they have shown that as good as he is there isn\u2019t a huge drop off from him to Ben Tate.<\/p>\n The defense will be missing Mario Williams but has developed enough depth to take the hit and still be strong. \u00a0He missed time last year and others excelled.<\/p>\n Houston might be the best Survivor Pool option but probably not a great ATS play this week with that huge number. \u00a0Odds are they will cover but there are definitely better values on the board. \u00a0I am know money management expert but remember to wade slowly in this week.<\/p>\n Saw some recent data and even the best pros struggle in the first week.<\/p>\n
\nSunday September 9
\nReliant Stadium – Houston, TX
\n1:00PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0Houston -720, Miami +510
\nSpread: \u00a0Houston -13
\nO\/U: \u00a042.5<\/strong><\/p>\n