MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in a Week 11 AFC showdown.
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Miami is looking to win back-to-back games for the first time this season, while Las Vegas hopes to snap a five-game losing streak, which is tied with the New York Giants for the longest active skid in the NFL.
The last time both teams faced off, Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey secured a game-sealing interception against Raiders quarterback Aiden O’Connell in the fourth quarter, sealing Miami’s 20-13 victory on Nov. 19, 2023.
Here are five key storylines to watch:
5. Can Miami force turnovers against the Raiders?
The Raiders lead the league in offensive turnovers with 19 and have a league-worst -14 turnover differential.
Their defense has only forced five turnovers this season, tying them for the fewest in the NFL. Miami, on the other hand, ranks near the bottom in interceptions with just five.
This presents an opportunity for the Dolphins’ defense to step up.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver may ask his players to take more risks in coverage to capitalize on mistakes from quarterback Gardner Minshew, who has thrown more interceptions (8) than touchdown passes (6) this season.
4. Will the Dolphins handle Maxx Crosby and Co. with a shorthanded O-Line?
Maxx Crosby has been a dominant force, leading the NFL in tackles for loss over the past two years (45 total). He notched 14.5 sacks last season and has already recorded 6.5 this year. The Dolphins will need to find a way to slow him down, but injuries on the offensive line make that a tall order.
Kendall Lamm is set to start at right tackle after Austin Jackson was put on Injured Reserve last week due to a knee injury that reports say he will need surgery on.
Left tackle Terron Armstead, a team captain, is active after being listed as questionable due to a knee injury that kept him out of practice all week. Look for rookie offensive tackle Patrick Paul to take Armstead’s place if he can’t go, but if Crosby can consistently pressure quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, it could spell trouble for Miami.
*Raiders defensive tackle Christian Wilkins was previously ruled out of the game after he was put on Injured Reserve due to a foot injury.
3. Will Miami’s offense finally break out?
This matchup heavily favors Miami’s offense, even if wide receiver Tyreek Hill isn’t 100% due to a wrist injury that he said will likely require offseason surgery. The Raiders rank 30th in scoring defense and 22nd in rushing defense, making them vulnerable to Miami’s balanced attack.
After rushing for a season-low 67 yards last week, the Dolphins will look to rebound against Las Vegas’ struggling defensive line. With a backfield featuring De’Von Achane, Raheem Mostert, and Jaylen Wright, Miami should aim to surpass 100 rushing yards for the sixth time in their last seven games.
2. Can the Dolphins’ defense prevent a TD for the 2nd straight game?
Last week, Miami’s defense delivered a standout performance, holding the Los Angeles Rams without a touchdown in a crucial 23-15 win. The Dolphins forced two turnovers and tallied four sacks while neutralizing top players like quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receivers Cooper Kupp, and Puka Nacua, as well as running back Kyren Williams.
While the Raiders (2-7) lack the star power of the Rams, they do have a promising weapon in rookie tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers leads the team in targets (73), receptions (57), and receiving yards (580). Miami’s defense will need to contain him to keep Las Vegas off the scoreboard.
1. Can the Dolphins stay in the playoff hunt?
Despite last week’s win, the Dolphins still face an uphill battle to make the playoffs, with just a 23.9% chance according to Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor. However, Tagovailoa’s return has sparked the offense, which now ranks third in drive success rate (56%) and sixth in points per possession (2.85).
Miami has boosted its scoring average from 11.6 points per game before Tagovailoa’s return to 25.7 over the last three weeks. A win on Sunday could give the Dolphins much-needed momentum heading into matchups against the Patriots, Packers, and other key opponents in their final stretch.
The Dolphins (3-6) are aiming to secure back-to-back wins for the first time since Weeks 15 and 16 of the 2023 season.
Head coach Mike McDaniel has said the team remains focused on taking it one game at a time as they push for a third straight playoff appearance.