Dolphins looking to snap 5-game skid

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (1-5) and Atlanta Falcons (2-3) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 7 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., FOX):

When the Dolphins run: The Dolphins run the ball less than any other team in the NFL, but it’s something coach Brian Flores says he wants to do more. Check these numbers through six games: Myles Gaskin leads the team in carries, but that number is 39 compared 32 targets in the passing game; for Salvon Ahmed, he has 21 rushing attempts to 13 targets. The Falcons are a middle-of-the-pack run defense, allowing 108.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 12th and 4.3 yards per attempt, ranking 19th. Defensive lineman Grady Jarrett demands extra attention from offensive linemen, and inside linebackers Deion Jones and Foyesade Oluokun have notched 43 and 48 tackles, respectively. Edge: Falcons

When the Falcons run: Behind the running back tandem of Mike Davis and converted wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson, the Falcons rank 29th in the league in yards per rushing attempt, at 3.7. With both also heavily involved in the passing game, Davis averages 3.3 yards per carry while Patterson has gone for 4.2 per tote. Right guard Chris Lindstrom is the top run blocker on the Falcons’ offensive line. The Dolphins’ run defense is much maligned, 22nd in the league, but it is coming off its first effort holding an opponent under 100 yards. It came against a Jaguars rushing attack that was prolific entering last Sunday. Nose tackle Raekwon Davis’ impact since returning from his knee injury is starting to be felt. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: With two offenses that throw the ball as much as they do, this is the area where the game will be won. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looks to expand on a solid first outing back from fractured ribs amid trade rumors for the Texans’ Deshaun Watson resurfacing. He was 33 of 47 for 329 yards, two touchdowns, the one bad interception and 22 rushing yards on three scrambles. Tagovailoa looked smooth against the Falcons’ defense when they matched up in the preseason, but Atlanta also rested starters in that exhibition. Miami receivers will work against cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and former Western High standout Fabian Moreau. Outside linebackers Dante Fowler and Jacob Tuioti-Mariner have a pair of sacks apiece as the Miami offensive line is coming off its first game where it didn’t allow a sack, due in part to Tagovailoa avoiding pressure. The Falcons are second-worst in the NFL in scoring defense, allowing 29.6 points per game. Edge: Dolphins

When the Falcons pass: The Falcons are second in the NFL in pass attempts, and the Dolphins’ pass defense ranks 29th in the NFL, allowing 292.5 yards per game. It doesn’t seem like a good combination for Miami. Quarterback Matt Ryan, 36, has completed 69.1 percent of passes for 1,332 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions through five games. The Dolphins’ pass defense stats are inflated as cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones missed the game against the Jaguars and were hindered when Miami was blown out, 45-17, by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two weeks ago. Their availability and effectiveness if they play could be the X-factor. If they can’t go, Miami will have to count on Nik Needham, Noah Igbinoghene and Justin Coleman in an increased role again. Edge: Falcons

Special teams: Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is now up to two misses on the year, albeit both were deeper attempts at the end of a first half. He’s still good at his job. The Falcons’ Younghoe Koo hasn’t missed this season, at 7 for 7 on field goals, while hitting all his extra points. Waddle is still an unknown as an NFL return man while Patterson handles most kickoffs for Atlanta and Avery Williams does punt returns. Edge: Even

Intangibles: The Falcons are coming off their bye week while the Dolphins are back for another game week following a London trip, a rarity in past NFL instances of travel across the pond. The Dolphins opted against the post-London bye to instead have an idle week later in the longer regular season, which is 17 games this year. Despite losing five straight, the Dolphins are not giving up on the season or coach Brian Flores. Edge: Falcons

PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Falcons 23

STEVE LUCIANO/AP Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts reacts after a play during a game against the Jets on Oct. 10.