Texans extend AFC South lead with 20-12 victory over Dolphins

The key to a Houston Texans division title has always been about their health.  Coming into their second to last home game in the regular season, Houston has been getting healthier as the weeks have gone on.  One player is quarterback C.J. Stroud has been missing his deep-threat wide receiver Nico Collins.  With a combination of great defense and Nico Collins being targeted 4 times for 17 yards for 2 touchdowns, Houston scored enough to let their rock-solid defense make the necessary stops when needed.  The Dolphins turned the ball over 4 times to the Texans defense with three of the four being interceptions and the other a fumble lost to Houston.  Miami could not get the rushing attack going with only 52 yards accumulated on the ground and only converting 4 for 13 third downs. 

The Houston Texans can clinch the AFC South title for their second straight season if the Indianapolis Colts lose in Denver later this afternoon.  Quarterback C.J. Stroud impressively passed for 131 yards and both touchdowns were thrown to Nico Collins.  It was vital for C.J. to score points through the air as Houston’s ground attack was stagnant, only rushing for 77 total yards on 20 carries by 4 different players.  The Texans travel to Kansas City for a Saturday afternoon game next week against the Chiefs in what may be a possible playoff matchup preview.  Miami remains 9th in the AFC with a 6-8 record now, and needs to win next Sunday against the 49ers in Miami followed up with two road games in Cleveland and New York (Jets).  Unfortunately for Miami, they cannot control their own destiny and will need teams higher seeded to gain losses in order for a possible Wild Card berth.