If you were sitting in NRG Stadium on December 15, 2024, you saw something weird. Usually, when an NFL team holds their opponent to a measly 181 total yards, they win. Period. But that’s not what happened when the Texans vs Miami Dolphins clash turned into a defensive slugfest that left Miami fans scratching their heads.
Honestly, the Dolphins played some of their best defensive football of that season in Houston. They swarmed C.J. Stroud. They lived in the backfield. Yet, they flew home with a 20-12 loss. It’s one of those games where the box score looks like a lie.
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The Turnover Nightmare That Sank the Fins
You’ve heard the cliché that turnovers tell the story, and in this specific Texans vs Miami Dolphins matchup, it wasn’t just a story—it was a tragedy for Tua Tagovailoa. Miami turned the ball over four times. Four. You can't do that against a DeMeco Ryans defense and expect to survive.
Tua finished with three interceptions. The most back-breaking one came late in the second quarter. After a mishandled snap gave Miami the ball back, it felt like the momentum was shifting. Instead, Calen Bullock snagged a pass and took it 68 yards back to the house—or close enough to set up a field goal.
It wasn’t just Tua, though. De'Von Achane had a fumble too. When you look at the final score, the Dolphins actually outgained the Texans 224 to 181. They had the ball for over 33 minutes. But when you give the ball away like it's a holiday gift, those yards don't mean a thing.
Defensive Masterclass or Offensive Slump?
Depending on who you ask, this game was either a defensive masterpiece or an offensive disaster.
- Chop Robinson and Zach Sieler: These two were absolute menaces. They combined for 3 sacks and kept C.J. Stroud's jersey dirty all afternoon.
- Derek Stingley Jr.: The Texans cornerback basically owned the second half. He had two interceptions, including the one that officially iced the game.
- Will Anderson Jr.: He forced a strip-sack on Tua that basically set the tone for the Texans' defensive aggression.
Stroud didn't have a "Heisman" day by any means. He was 18-for-26 for 131 yards. That is historically low for a guy who usually carves up secondaries. But he was efficient where it mattered. He found Nico Collins for two touchdowns—both from 6 yards out. It was clinical, boring, and highly effective.
The C.J. Stroud vs Tua Tagovailoa Debate
People love to compare these two. It's the classic "accuracy vs. playmaking" debate. In their 2024 meeting, Stroud showed that you don't need 300 yards to win if you protect the rock. Tua, on the other hand, had a higher completion percentage (72.5%) but those three picks are the only stat anyone remembers.
The Texans have built a roster that supports a young QB even when he's having an "off" day. Their defense is legit. Ranking second in EPA per play for much of the 2025 cycle, that unit is the reason Houston is currently eyeing a deep playoff run while Miami is looking toward a "fresh start" for Tua.
Speaking of a fresh start, the rumors in early 2026 are swirling. Tua himself mentioned it would be "dope" to have a clean slate. That tells you everything you need to know about the pressure in Miami right now.
Why the Texans Own This Series Lately
The historical edge actually belongs to Houston. They are 8-3 lifetime against the Dolphins.
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| Statistic | Houston Texans | Miami Dolphins |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards (Dec 15) | 181 | 224 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 4 |
| Passing TDs | 2 | 1 |
| Time of Possession | 26:36 | 33:24 |
It’s a weird rivalry. They don't play every year, but when they do, it’s usually high-stakes or high-drama. Miami hasn't won a road game in Houston in what feels like forever—specifically, they were 0-5 on the road in this series heading into that 2024 game.
What This Means for the 2026 Playoffs
As we sit here in January 2026, the Texans are getting ready for a Divisional Round game against the Patriots. But they’re worried. Nico Collins—the guy who caught both TDs against the Dolphins—is in concussion protocol.
The Texans are a different team without him. They’ve gone 2-0 without him this year, which is a testament to Ryans’ coaching, but you don't want to face New England without your WR1.
Miami, meanwhile, is watching from home. That loss in Houston was a turning point. It exposed the fact that even when their defense plays a "perfect" game, the offense can still collapse under pressure.
Actionable Takeaways for the Next Matchup
If you're betting or just analyzing the next time these two meet, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the turnover margin above all else. The Texans vs Miami Dolphins series is almost always decided by who flinches first.
- Pressure the interior. Miami found success by hitting Stroud early. If you can move him off his spot, he becomes human.
- The Nico Collins Factor. If he’s out, the Texans struggle to find the end zone in the red zone. They settle for Ka'imi Fairbairn field goals.
- Tua's Road Struggles. Until Miami proves they can win a tough, ugly game in a place like Houston, the "soft" label is going to stick.
The 20-12 score from 2024 wasn't just a win for Houston; it was a blueprint. It showed that the Texans don't need to be flashy to be dangerous. They just need to wait for you to make a mistake. And against the Dolphins, they didn't have to wait long.
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To stay updated on the Texans' current playoff health, monitor the daily injury reports for Nico Collins and Will Anderson Jr., as their availability drastically shifts the betting lines for the AFC Divisional Round. Check the official Texans team feed for the final practice participation report before Sunday's kickoff.