Date: December 15, 2024
Final Score: Houston Texans 20, Miami Dolphins 12
Quick game story
Houston won a tough, defense-led game at NRG Stadium. The Texans took an early lead, turned Miami over four times, and scored enough points to keep control. Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw two touchdown passes to Nico Collins, while the Texans’ defense made the key plays late. Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa moved the ball with short passes, but his three interceptions and a lost fumble were costly.
Team stats at a glance
Both teams had almost the same yards per play (3.6), but turnovers and field position decided the game. Miami actually had more total yards (224 vs 181) and more first downs (18 vs 12). Still, Houston protected the ball and finished drives better. Third-down rates were similar, yet the Texans won the red-zone battle and avoided mistakes.
Key team numbers
- Total yards: Dolphins 224, Texans 181
- First downs: Dolphins 18, Texans 12
- Yards per play: both 3.6
- Passing yards: Dolphins 172, Texans 104
- Rushing yards: Dolphins 52, Texans 77
- Turnovers: Dolphins 4, Texans 0
- Sacks: Dolphins allowed 3 (24 yards); Texans allowed 4 (27 yards)
These figures show the story clearly: Miami moved but made errors; Houston was efficient and clean.
Quarterbacks: short passes vs. safe throws
Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) completed 29 of 40 for 196 yards, 1 TD, and 3 INT, and he was sacked three times. Tua’s day relied on timing routes and quick throws, but Houston’s coverage squeezed windows and jumped routes. He also lost one fumble.
C.J. Stroud (HOU) went 18 of 26 for 131 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT, with a 106.4 passer rating. He did not have a huge yardage total, but he was calm in key moments, especially in the red zone, and did not put the ball at risk.
Skill players who shaped the game
Houston Texans
- Nico Collins, WR: 4 catches, 17 yards, 2 TD. Collins did his damage near the goal line. His connection with Stroud was the difference in the red zone.
- Joe Mixon, RB: 12 carries for 23 yards and 5 catches for 33 yards. The run game did not create big gains, but short receptions helped the offense stay on schedule.
- Dare Ogunbowale, RB: Only 1 carry, but it went for 35 yards, flipping field position.
- Tank Dell, WR: 2 receptions for 26 yards and solid punt returns (3 for 45 yards) that improved the Texans’ field position.
Miami Dolphins
- Jonnu Smith, TE: Team-high 9 receptions for 48 yards and Miami’s only receiving touchdown, often working the short middle.
- Malik Washington, WR: 5 catches, 52 yards plus strong return work (3 kick returns for 73 yards; 2 punt returns for 24 yards), giving the Dolphins a spark on special teams.
- Tyreek Hill, WR: 2 catches for 36 yards as Houston’s coverage plan limited deep shots.
- De’Von Achane, RB: 12 carries for 41 yards and 7 catches for 35. He was busy, but Houston rallied to the ball quickly.
Defensive heroes and takeaways
Houston’s defense produced the game’s top highlights. Derek Stingley Jr. grabbed two interceptions, while rookie safety Calen Bullock added another and returned it 68 yards. The pass rush also shared 3 sacks and consistent pressure, forcing Miami to throw short and make mistakes.
For Miami, Jordyn Brooks led with 8 total tackles and the Dolphins posted 4 sacks (including 1.5 each by Zach Sieler and Chop Robinson). The defense kept the game within reach, but the offense’s turnovers left little margin.
Special teams swing
Field goals mattered. Ka’imi Fairbairn went 2-for-2 (long 44) and hit both extra points for Houston. Jason Sanders also went 2-for-2 on field goals, including a long 55-yarder, but missed an extra point after Miami’s touchdown. Punting was strong on both sides: Tommy Townsend averaged 50.0 for Houston; Jake Bailey boomed 60.3 for Miami. These hidden yards helped Houston win the field position game.
Key moments that decided the game
- Early Texans control. Houston built a 13–6 halftime lead. That cushion forced Miami to chase the game with more throws, which played into the Texans’ ball-hawking secondary.
- Collins’ red-zone strikes. Both of Stroud’s TDs went to Nico Collins, showing timing and trust on tight-window throws near the goal line.
- Takeaways shut the door. With four Dolphins turnovers, the Texans repeatedly stopped drives and gained short fields. Stingley’s second pick and Bullock’s long return were turning points.
- Explosive run by Ogunbowale. A single 35-yard burst from Dare Ogunbowale set up points and flipped momentum in the third quarter.
How the defenses won the day
This game was not about big yardage. It was about coverage, tackling, and situational football.
- Texans’ plan vs Tyreek Hill: With Derek Stingley Jr. often in coverage and strong safety help, Houston limited Hill to two catches. That took away Miami’s usual deep threat and kept passes short.
- Dolphins’ front: Miami’s line pressured Stroud for four sacks and six tackles for loss, but the Texans avoided the big mistake—no interceptions and only one lost fumble—which kept the defense’s efforts from turning into points the other way.
Box score leaders
Miami Dolphins (offense):
- Passing: Tua Tagovailoa 29/40, 196 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INT, 3 sacks.
- Rushing: De’Von Achane 12 CAR, 41 YDS.
- Receiving: Jonnu Smith 9 REC, 48 YDS, 1 TD; Malik Washington 5 REC, 52 YDS.
Houston Texans (offense):
- Passing: C.J. Stroud 18/26, 131 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT, 4 sacks.
- Rushing: Team 20 CAR, 77 YDS (Ogunbowale 35 on one carry).
- Receiving: Nico Collins 4 REC, 17 YDS, 2 TD.
Team comparison:
Miami led in total yards and first downs, but Houston won turnover margin +4, a classic winning formula in the NFL.
Context and aftermath
The win moved Houston to 9–5 and helped the Texans toward the AFC South crown. Reports after the game noted the defense’s impact and the two TD connection from Stroud to Collins. Meanwhile, Miami’s playoff path grew harder, especially with injuries on offense during the game.
What the numbers tell us
- Efficiency beats volume. Miami outgained Houston but gave the ball away. Yardage without ball security rarely wins in the NFL.
- Red zone execution. The Texans turned their best chances into touchdowns (both to Collins). Miami had to settle for field goals too often.
- Hidden yards. Returns by Tank Dell and strong punting set Houston up with better fields. Small edges like these add up over four quarters.
Final takeaway
This matchup shows how turnover margin and red zone execution can outweigh raw yardage. Miami moved the ball but paid for each mistake. Houston stayed patient, trusted its defense, and took its chances when they came enough to earn a clear, controlled win at home.
FAQs
- Who won the game?
The Texans beat the Dolphins 20–12 on December 15, 2024. - Why did Houston win?
They protected the ball (0 turnovers), finished drives with two TDs to Nico Collins, and created four Miami turnovers. - How did Tua Tagovailoa play?
He threw for 196 yards with 1 TD and 3 INT and lost a fumble. He completed many short passes but mistakes hurt. - How did C.J. Stroud play?
Stroud threw 2 TD with 0 INT and a 106.4 rating, a steady and efficient day. - Who scored touchdowns?
Nico Collins scored both of Houston’s TDs on passes from Stroud. Miami’s TD came on a pass to Jonnu Smith. - Which receivers led each team?
For Miami, Jonnu Smith (9 for 48 and a TD) and Malik Washington (5 for 52) led the way. For Houston, Nico Collins had 2 TDs; Joe Mixon led in receiving yards (5 for 33). - What were the rushing totals?
Miami: 52 yards on 19 carries (Achane 12 for 41). Houston: 77 yards on 20 carries, including a 35-yard run by Dare Ogunbowale. - Who made the big defensive plays?
Derek Stingley Jr. had two interceptions and Calen Bullock had one with a 68-yard return for Houston. Miami’s Zach Sieler and Chop Robinson combined for 3 sacks (1.5 each). - Were special teams important?
Yes. Ka’imi Fairbairn (2/2 FGs, 2/2 XPs) and Jason Sanders (2/2 FGs, long 55; missed 1 XP) were perfect on field goals, and the punters flipped the field all night. - Where can I find the full play-by-play and advanced splits?
Check ESPN, NFL.com, and Pro-Football-Reference for full logs and stats.
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