You’d think a team that’s been around since the 60s would have no trouble handling a franchise that basically just showed up in 2002. But NFL history is weird. If you look at the Miami Dolphins vs Texans matches over the last couple of decades, the stat sheet looks like a glitch in the Matrix.
The Houston Texans actually own the Miami Dolphins.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Games on TV Today: Why the Thursday Night Playoff Gap is Actually Great for Fans
It’s not even particularly close. As of their most recent clash in late 2024, Houston holds a dominant 9-3 lead in the all-time series. For a Dolphins team with two Super Bowl rings and a perfect season in the trophy case, getting bullied by the "new kids" from the AFC South is a bitter pill.
The Strange Domination of the Texans
Most fans assume the Dolphins, with their high-flying offense and legendary legacy, would naturally steamroll a team that spent years wandering the quarterback wilderness. They don't. Houston won the first seven meetings between these two. Seven. Miami didn't even taste victory against Houston until 2015.
That 2015 game was a total outlier, too. The Dolphins dropped 41 points in the first half. Ryan Tannehill was playing like Dan Marino, and Jarvis Landry was making catches that didn't seem physically possible. It ended 44-26, and for a second, it felt like the curse was broken.
But it wasn't.
Since then, the series has been a back-and-forth affair that usually ends in Miami’s frustration. Take the October 2018 game at NRG Stadium. Deshaun Watson threw five touchdowns, and the Texans cruised to a 42-23 win. Miami looked lost. It was one of those nights where the humidity in Houston seemed to sap the life right out of the Fins.
That 2024 Defensive Nightmare
Fast forward to the most recent chapter: December 15, 2024. This was supposed to be the game where Mike McDaniel’s speed-obsessed offense finally outran the Texans' rebuild.
It didn't happen.
Instead, we saw a defensive masterclass from DeMeco Ryans. The Texans won 20-12 in a game that felt much uglier than the score suggests. Tua Tagovailoa had a rough afternoon, tossing three interceptions. Derek Stingley Jr. basically turned into a shadow, following Tyreek Hill everywhere and picking off two passes intended for the Cheetah.
The Dolphins actually outgained Houston 224 to 181 in total yards. Think about that. You hold C.J. Stroud to under 200 yards and you still lose because you turned the ball over four times. Will Anderson Jr. was a problem all day, living in the backfield and forcing a fumble that led to a Nico Collins touchdown.
It was a classic "Miami in the cold" game, even though they were in a dome. They just couldn't get the engine started.
Why Does This Matchup Matter?
You might ask why a non-divisional matchup gets so much heat. Honestly, it’s about the blueprint. The Texans have consistently found ways to neutralize Miami’s speed. Whether it was the early 2000s defense or the modern-day scheme under Ryans, they don't freak out when Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle get into space.
✨ Don't miss: Where is the Pro Bowl played: The Shift from Aloha Stadium to the Pro Bowl Games
- Turnovers are the tiebreaker: In almost every Texans win, Miami has coughed up the ball at least twice.
- The Home Field "Curse": Miami has struggled significantly in Houston, finding the atmosphere at NRG Stadium particularly hostile.
- Quarterback Disparity: Even in years where Houston was bad, their QBs—from Matt Schaub to C.J. Stroud—seemed to have "career days" against the Dolphins' secondary.
It’s a matchup defined by missed opportunities for Miami and clinical execution for Houston.
The "Greatest Catch" That Didn't Count
If you want to talk about the sheer theater of this rivalry, look at 2018. DeAndre Hopkins made a catch that still circulates on YouTube as one of the best ever. He tipped the ball to himself, pinned it against his helmet while falling, and secured it.
The refs blew it dead for offensive pass interference.
It didn't matter for the outcome, but it perfectly summarizes the Miami Dolphins vs Texans matches—chaos, incredible athleticism, and a lot of "what if" moments.
Breaking Down the Numbers
When you look at the scoring, the Texans average about 23 points per game against Miami, while the Dolphins hover around 20. It’s always a grind. The Dolphins' offense thrives on rhythm, and the Texans' defensive philosophy has historically been built on breaking that rhythm through physical press coverage and a relentless pass rush.
✨ Don't miss: When Does OU Play Texas: Everything to Know for 2026
In their 2022 meeting, Miami finally got some revenge with a 30-15 win. Tua was efficient, and the defense made Kyle Allen’s life miserable. But that’s been the exception, not the rule. The rule is Houston finding a way to make Miami play "small ball," which they hate.
What to Watch For Next Time
If these two teams are on your calendar, forget the records. The Texans play the Dolphins like it's their Super Bowl, and Miami plays the Texans like they’re trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark.
For Miami to flip the script, they have to stop the "explosive turnover" trend. You can't give a team like Ryans' Texans extra possessions. On the flip side, Houston has mastered the art of the bend-but-don't-break defense against Mike McDaniel's scheme.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup:
- Check the Injury Report on Tackles: In the 2024 loss, Miami was missing Terron Armstead. Without him, the edge rushers for Houston (like Will Anderson Jr.) will feast.
- Monitor the Turnover Margin: If Miami is -2 or worse in turnovers, they lose this game 90% of the time.
- Watch the "Safety Help": Look at how Houston uses players like Jimmie Ward or Calen Bullock to bracket Tyreek Hill. If Miami doesn't use their tight ends (like Jonnu Smith) to exploit the middle, the offense stalls.
- Weather/Venue Factor: Don't ignore the travel. Miami moving from the South Florida humidity to the fast track in Houston changes their timing.
The history says Houston wins. The talent says Miami should. That tension is exactly why this is one of the most underrated matchups in the AFC.