Last meeting
In Week 4 of last season, Houston rookie defensive end Mario Williams knocked away a two-point conversion pass attempt by the Dolphins with 1:39 remaining to preserve the Texans' first win of the year, 17-15.
Streaks
The Texans have won the only two meetings between the teams.
Last week
Playing without its starting running back, starting center and three of its best wideouts, Houston struggled to find its groove and lost to Atlanta, 26-16. Miami could not stop its former quarterback and current Raider Daunte Culpepper, who accounted for five touchdowns in Oakland's 35-17 victory.
At stake
If they expect to be a factor in a competitive AFC South, the Texans -- coming off a loss they thought they should have won -- have to win games against winless teams like the Dolphins. Conversely, Miami has to eventually get in the win column for new coach Cam Cameron before the pressure starts to mount, if it hasn't already.
Key matchup
Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor vs. Texans left tackle Eric Winston. Throughout their brief six-year franchise history, the Texans have had several issues preventing them from making the playoffs. Possibly the most glaring factor has been the team's inability to protect its quarterback. Now with a more mobile Matt Schaub at the helm, Houston has improved in that category. The Texans have allowed only six sacks in four games this year. In order for that to continue, Winston must keep Taylor, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, from taking down Schaub and disrupting his timing. For his part, Taylor has to improve on his total of one sack this season if the Dolphins are to have any chance of getting their first win.
Did you know?
Miami's Ronnie Brown can become the second running back in NFL history to total 200-plus yards from scrimmage in three straight games (Walter Payton, 1977).
