STAFF PREDICTIONS

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 4-0, 3-1 against the spread): Redskins 14, Dolphins 7

Tank Bowl I looks to be a nail-biter for both teams (as well as Tua Tagovailoa) chasing the No. 1 draft pick. In the end, I think the Dolphins want it a little more. For historical context, this is the opposite score of their Super Bowl meeting in the Dolphins Perfect Season. Now, the Imperfect Season. Omar Kelly, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 4-0, 3-1): Redskins 21, Dolphins 17

The Dolphins have a way of ruining good things by having short-term success, and that’s my biggest fear about Sunday’s game against Washington. A win could squander Miami’s chances of landing Tua Tagovailoa, so it’s only ideal for Miami to continue its conservative play-calling on offense and defense to provide the Redskins their first win. Safid Deen, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 4-0, 4-0): Redskins 21, Dolphins 17

The Dolphins likely will give us a scare in a must-lose game, but will stay on track with their long-term mission this season. The Redskins should come out with an inspired performance for their new interim coach and take themselves out of the Tank for Tua sweepstakes with a win. Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-0, 4-0): Redskins 20, Dolphins 13

The Dolphins have a legitimate shot of winning their first game, with the Redskins also in disarray, having fired coach Jay Gruden after an 0-5 start. Washington ranks 30th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 14.6 points, and defense, allowing 30.2 points a game. The only team that ranks worse than the Redskins in both categories — the Dolphins, who are averaging a league-worst 6.5 points, while surrendering a league-worst 40.8 points per game. Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-0, 1-3): Dolphins 23, Redskins 13

The Dolphins have never lost to the Redskins at home and the streak has a decent shot to survive Sunday with also-winless Washington in disarray and coach Jay Gruden having been fired on Monday. Meanwhile, these are the quarterbacks the Dolphins have faced this season: Lamar Jackson, Tom Brady, Dak Prescott and Philip Rivers. The Redskins have no one within miles of that talent level. Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 4-0, 3-1): Dolphins 17, Redskins 13

No matter what management has in mind, no NFL player wants to go winless for a season. NFL players want to make big plays and win games. The Dolphins are at home (in warm temperatures) against a winless, shaken up opponent. Miami can and should win this one, despite any tanking plans.