Dolphins vs. Texans: Key Players to Watch in Lopsided Matchup

The Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins are set to do battle on Sunday in a contest that features two teams on opposite ends of the AFC power spectrum.

Houston is hoping to make another run at the AFC South title and can be considered a legitimate Super Bowl contender this season, while Miami will be trying to answer a number of questions that surround the franchise.

It would be nothing short of shocking to see the ‘Phins beat the Texans at Reliant Stadium, but crazier things have happened in the NFL.

Let’s take a look at some of the key players to watch in this lopsided Week 1 matchup.

Miami Dolphins

Ryan Tannehill

The rookie signal-caller has been thrust into the starting job by the coaching staff, and he’s possibly the most inexperienced and ill-prepared starter at the position in the league.

Unfortunately, he’s going to be making his debut on the road, against one of the best defenses in football. It’s going to get ugly when the pressure forces the former Texas A&M standout to start making quick decisions.

Expect the sacks, interceptions and fumbles to pile up quickly for Tannehill.

Karlos Dansby

Dansby has been charged with the tough task of stopping Arian Foster and Ben Tate from destroying the ‘Phins on the ground.

He’s a strong, hard-nosed tackler who can make plays, but he’ll have to perform at a superhuman level to avoid the Texans' zone-blocking scheme and bring two of the best young rushers around down.

It’ll be a long day for Dansby if he can’t get help from his defensive line.

Houston Texans

Brian Cushing

Cushing is an absolute machine at the linebacker position.

Last season, he racked up 114 tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles to go along with a pair of interceptions.

He’s going to make life difficult for Tannehill and RB Reggie Bush when he’s on the field.

Andre Johnson

The Texans WR struggled with injury for much of the 2011 campaign, but he’s healthy and more ready than ever to spring for a monster game against Miami.

Nolan Carroll and Richard Marshall will be the corners tasked with stopping the elite receiver, but it’s going to take some safety help and a consistently excellent performance from the entire secondary to contain Johnson.

Expect Johnson to break at least one big play on Sunday.