Giants (4-7) at Dolphins (5-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Dolphins by 2 ⁄2
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Giants’ keys to victory: First, they need to protect their quarterback. Miami has been able to get pressure almost whenever it wants and will bring extra rushers frequently. If S Brandon Jones comes back, this theme could be especially important. The second thing New York will want to do is take away QB Tua Tagovailoa’s favorite target, rookie Jaylen Waddle. The former Alabama wideout has a team-high 77 receptions for 759 yards and four touchdowns.
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami has won its last four games. Last week’s victory over the Panthers, however, was the first in which the offense and defense both performed well together. For Miami to make it five in a row, it will have to continue to get pressure on the quarterback and force turnovers. Giants QB Daniel Jones has been one of the most turnoverprone players in the league since he was drafted in 2019, so it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Dolphins came away with a couple of takeaways.
Matchup to watch: Giants secondary vs. Dolphins’ Waddle. Waddle has been Miami’s drivestarter all season. He is incredibly quick getting in and out of his cuts, and his hands have been just as good. If the Giants don’t spend extra hours this week preparing for him, Waddle could have another huge day.
Who wins? Brian Flores’ Dolphins team is playing like one of the better teams in the AFC right now. If they continue to play like they have, this shouldn’t be that difficult of a matchup.
Dolphins, 23-17