Looking to snap skid in London

By David Furones |

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 6 game in London (9:30 a.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: The Dolphins have potential in the running game, but they simply have opted not to run the football much in the past two games, albeit against strong rush defenses. Miami has had 25 rushing attempts over the past two games against the Colts and Buccaneers, including just nine last Sunday against the Bucs’ top-ranked run defense. The Dolphins totaled 74 yards on the ground in those two outings. While there aren’t many things the Jaguars do well, defending the run is one of them. Sure, the 121.8 yards per game against them ranks 20th, but when you go by yards per attempt, the 3.8 average is seventh in the league. Edge: Even

When the Jaguars run: Jacksonville running back James Robinson is the NFL’s fourth-leading rusher with

387 yards on the ground through five games. The Jaguars have the league’s sixth-best rushing offense with 129.4 rushing yards per game, and like their run defense, they’re better, No. 2, when going by yards per carry. The Dolphins’ run defense has not been good through five games, 24th in the NFL. Miami should be set to improve on that side of the ball the more second-year nose tackle Raekwon Davis gets reacclimated from his three weeks away. Davis injured his knee on the opening defensive series of the season at New England and returned to play 53 percent of snaps in his first game back at the Buccaneers. With him in the middle, Elandon Roberts known for his physicality, Jerome Baker the other inside linebacker and rookie edge defender Jaelan Phillips setting the edge better as the season progresses, this unit can be better. Edge: Jaguars

When the Dolphins pass: We’re not certain at this moment if it’s Tua Tagovailoa’s first game back from getting knocked out in against the Bills or a fourth consecutive start for Jacoby Brissett. With Tagovailoa practicing and throwing this week and Flores touting his toughness when his availability will largely come down to pain tolerance coming back from fractured ribs, the indication is Tagovailoa will play. His return could provide a spark, but he still has a depleted receiving corps with Will Fuller on injured reserve and DeVante Parker’s status in doubt again after missing the Buccaneers game. The Jaguars have a cornerback combination of Shaquill Griffin and rookie American Heritage High product Tyson Campbell while former Miami Hurricane Rayshawn Jenkins roams at free safety. They’re vulnerable in pass defense, ranking 25th in the NFL at 286.6 yards allowed per game. Edge: Even

When the Jaguars pass: This year’s top pick, quarterback Trevor Lawrence, has shown flashes of potential, but he has gone through his rookie-year struggles in this offense. He’s thrown more interceptions (eight) than touchdowns (six) and has completed 59.4 percent of passes for

1,146 yards. The receiving corps of Laviska Shenault, Marvin Jones and DJ Chark isn’t particularly scary. The Dolphins just got shredded against Tom Brady, Antonio Brown, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers, but the other Florida foe doesn’t have nearly that arsenal. Cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are hindered by groin and Achilles injuries, respectively, but limiting them in practice should get them better prepared to handle the workload Sunday. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: The Jaguars have been atrocious in the kicking game. Neither Josh Lambo nor Matthew Wright has been able to connect on a field goal through five games, although all four attempts have been from 48 yards or deeper. The two have also combined to miss three extra points. It’s a far cry from nearly automatic Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders, although Lambo has historically been pretty accurate. Jacksonville does have a kickoff return touchdown and missed field goal return touchdown from Jamal Agnew this season. Edge: Dolphins

Intangibles: Both teams enter desperate for different reasons. The Dolphins are a team with playoff aspirations this season on a four-game losing streak that can essentially throw their dwindling postseason hopes away if they lose to winless Jacksonville. The Jaguars are looking for their first win since Sept. 13, 2020, last season’s opening week. Coach Urban Meyer could use a victory to start setting some of his bad public relations behind him. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 24, Jaguars 20

STEPHEN B.MORTON/AP Jaguars running back James Robinson runs past Titans free safety Kevin Byard on Sunday.