Miller could draw blank against Cowboys in Texas showdown

Sky Sports Action, 1.20am Sunday night

Houston earned their first win of the season last week in an overtime thriller in Indianapolis, but the discipline of the Dallas defence could frustrate the hosts.

The Texans boast the fifth-most productive offence in the league, averaging 413.8 yards per game, but the majority of those have come in the passing game, with Deshaun Watson throwing for 760 yards over their past two games.

Their running game, however, has been stagnant. Running back Lamar Miller has struggled to put up decent numbers and rushed for just 59 yards in their last two games.

Miller is in need of a big performance to safeguard his position as Houston’s top back and he has also been limited in practice due to a chest injury. He faces a tough task against a Cowboys defence ranked fifth in total yards given up per game.

Dallas have their defence to thank for their 2-2 record as they have conceded no more than 24 points in a game, and only Seattle's Chris Carson has been able to run for more than 60 yards against them, albeit with 32 carries.

With questions over Miller’s workload and the ability of the Dallas defence, it’s worth backing the visitors to frustrate the Texans running back.

Recommendation
L Miller under 59.5 rushing yards
2pts 10-11 Sky Bet

The lowdown
Venue NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoors
Vegas handicap Houston -3
Vegas points line 45.5

Team news
Dallas
Centre Travis Frederick (illness), linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) and wide receiver Terrance Williams (foot) have been ruled out. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) and defensive tackles Maliek Collins (knee) and Antwaun Woods (calf) are rated questionable. Wide receiver Tavon Austin (shoulder), running back Ezekiel Elliott (knee) and safety Jeff Heath (neck) are set to play.

Houston

Cornerback Aaron Colvin (ankle) and linebacker Brian Peters (ankle) are out. Wide receivers Keke Coutee and Will Fuller are both questionable with hamstring injuries.

Key stat
Dallas have won the last three meetings between the sides.

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