Game Preview: Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins (Thu - 8:20 ET)
The Dolphins are coming off a win against a depleted Houston Texans squad, but they will hope to carry some momentum into this game at home against the Ravens. After a surprising 10-6 season last year, the Dolphins have gotten off to a disappointing 2-7 start this season. Part of the reason is injuries, as starter Tua Tagovailoa may miss another game with a fractured finger on his throwing hand. Jacoby Brissett is a capable backup, but he averages 50 fewer passing yards per game than Tua (170 to 220). Accordingly, the Dolphins offense has regressed from 339 yards per game last season to 297.4 this year. The bright spots for the Dolphins have been the development of this year's top draft picks. Despite uncertainty at quarterback and a porous offensive line, first-round pick Jaylen Waddle is 4th among rookies in receiving yards (496). Rookie safety Jevon Holland is also playing exceptionally well as a reliable tackler who can drop into coverage and pressure the quarterback. First-round linebacker Jalean Phillips has been hampered by injury but has also flashed at times this year, recording his first career sack against Tom Brady. The Dolphins hope that their young pieces can build on last week and surprise the Ravens, who are coming off an exhausting overtime victory against the Vikings on a short week.
The most significant advantage for the Ravens is always their rushing attack, and particularly in this game, as the Ravens have the top rushing offense in the league (161.1 yards per game), while the Dolphins have the worst (75.1). Lamar Jackson set the record for most 100-yard rushing games by a quarterback with his 12th all-time last week, and Le'Veon Bell is coming off his best game with the Ravens as he rushed for 48 yards, a touchdown, and a critical 3rd-down conversion in overtime to set up the game-winning field goal. With a troika of Jackson, Bell, and Devonta Freeman, the Ravens consistently move the chains, as they had 36 first downs last week, a franchise record, and four short of the NFL record of 40. The Ravens bet every week that they can win games in the old-school style of controlling the trenches, as they also have the 5th best rushing defense, only giving up 91.8 yards on the ground per game. However, they have the second-worst passing defense in the league, giving up 282 yards through the air per game. If the Ravens can keep the Dolphins' offense in front of them and force them to string together long drives, the Ravens should win this game. However, this matchup in Miami screams "trap game" for the Ravens, so watch out.
Spread: Ravens favored by 7.5 points
Over/under: 46.5
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