Who has the edge?

Tannehill needs big performance on road in battle of teams fighting for playoff lives

When the Dolphins pass: In his last three games, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has completed 69.1 percent of his passes for 606 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception with a 129.9 passer rating since returning from a right shoulder injury. Tannehill’s passer rating also ranks sixth among all NFL quarterbacks this season at 105.7, thanks to big plays similar to Miami’s game-winner against New England last week. While Tannehill has played much worse on the road than he has at home (an 85.3 rating in four road games compared to 128.0 rating in four home wins), he played his best game of the season last week against New England (three touchdowns, 155.2 rating), and could build on that performance against Minnesota’s fifth-ranked defense. Dolphins

When the Vikings pass: Minnesota fans may have soured on the season with new quarterback Kirk Cousins leading the Vikings to a 6-6-1 record heading into Sunday’s game after reaching the NFC title game last season, but Cousins has done his job for the most part, completing 70.6 percent of his passes for 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions with a 98.4 passer rating this season. The Vikings essentially have two No. 1 receivers in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, and also have experienced tight end Kyle Rudolph in the mix. The Vikings have suffered some bumps in the road with offensive coordinator John DeFilippo losing his job this past week after Minnesota’s loss in Seattle, but have the talent to get back on track against the Dolphins defense. Vikings

When the Dolphins run: Frank Gore paced the Dolphins with 12 carries for 92 yards, while former Patriots running back Brandon Bolden was unleashed with two carries for 60 yards and two touchdowns, including a 54-yard run, in Sunday’s win over New England. Dolphins coach Adam Gase added another wrinkle into the run game with Bolden, who made the most of his opportunities that would have likely gone to Kenyan Drake last week. It is possible Gase could continue sprinkling in a carry here or there for Bolden, but the Dolphins need to stay ahead of schedule with Gore on first and second downs and Drake providing the big-play ability out of the backfield as a running back and target in the receiving game. Dolphins

When the Vikings run: Dalvin Cook, the former Miami Central High and Florida State standout, has yet to have a breakout game this season after missing five games due to injuries. Cook has gained more than 80 yards total in five of eight games this season, utilized as a running back and in space as a receiver. He does not have a rushing touchdown, but has seen the end zone with a receiving touchdown in two of his past three games. Miami limited New England running backs Sony Michel and James White to 70 yards rushing last week, after allowing them to run for 156 yards and two rushing touchdowns earlier this season. The Dolphins hope to repeat that performance. Dolphins

Special teams: The Dolphins, despite having two punts blocked last week against the Patriots, have a clear edge in this facet of the game. Dolphins rookie kick Jason Sanders (16 of 17 FGs, 94.1 percent) has outplayed Minnesota’s Dan Bailey (16 of 23, 69.6), while Dolphins punter Matt Haack has placed 31 punts inside the 20-yard line this season compared to Minnesota’s Matt Wile, who has 24. Both teams are in the top 10 in average kick-return yards (Miami fourth, Minnesota sixth), but Miami has the edge as the sixth-best punt-returning team in the league compared to the Vikings, who rank 13th. Dolphins

Intangibles: Minnesota has lost three of their last four games to teams that are all in the playoff mix, but have a hold on the sixth and final spot in the NFC playoff race. The Vikings hope a home win can spark their final stretch of the season. … The Dolphins, on the other hand, are tied with three other teams with a 7-6 record, vying for the final AFC wild-card playoff spot. Miami may have been on the favorable end of two final plays in their last two wins, at home against Buffalo and New England, but unquestionably have the momentum heading into Sunday’s game in Minnesota. Dolphins

Prediction: Dolphins 24, Vikings 20

WINSLOW TOWNSON/AP The Dolphins defense will have to slow down Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who has completed 70.6 percent of his passes this season.

Safid Deen