PREDICTIONS

Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 4-3): Dolphins 24, Lions 23 Playing in a dome is perfect for the Dolphins’ speed and Tua Tagovailoa’s game. The Lions’ offense seem to like their home, too, averaging 38.7 points there and 10 points on the road. Should be a tight game, but Detroit holds the No. 1 pick right now because it keeps finding ways to lose. The reeling Lions have dropped four straight games.

Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (3-4): Dolphins 28, Lions 24

The offense should have no problems scoring against the defense that allows the league’s most points per per game (32.3). The Dolphins’ defense might struggle a bit as it recovers from yet another injury in the secondary (safety Brandon Jones), but should do just enough to help the team pull out a road win. The Dolphins should get on a roll as five of their next six games are against teams with losing records.

David Furones, Dolphins Writer (5-2): Dolphins 31, Lions 20

I like Miami’s speed in the dome in Detroit and against the Lions’ defense that is dead last in the NFL. Tua Tagovailoa will be sharper in his second game back, more consistently connecting with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, plus this could be a big afternoon for Raheem Mostert and the run game. It’s encouraging that the defense is holding up despite all the injuries in the secondary.

Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (5-2): Dolphins 24, Lions 17

The Dolphins are so dinged up, nothing is a gimme. Detroit is 1-5 — but also coming off two lopsided defeats, after keeping it close in their first three losses. The Lions were outscored 43-6 against the Patriots and Cowboys, and they are looking to prove to those were an aberration. Luckily for the Dolphins, playing in a dome means they can take advantage of their speed and they don’t have to face the cold (yet). Also luckily — the Lions’ defense is not good. If Miami’s offense can get back into their groove a little bit and the defense can step up again, Dolphins should move to 5-3.

Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (4-3): Lions 24, Dolphins 23

The Dolphins’offense has been inconsistent all season, but with Tua Tagovailoa having a full game under his belt he should be more efficient. The Dolphins will, however, have to do a better job in the red zone. An emphasis will be getting Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle more involved near the goal line as neither speedster has scored a touchdown since Week 2. While Detroit has struggled, it is more than capable of pulling off the upset — so expect a tight game as the Lions are better than their 1-5 record.

Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (4-3): Dolphins 37, Lions 27

The Lions, early in the season, had been the team with a putrid defense, but a potent offense, averaging 35 points a game in their first four. However, Detroit has seen its electric running back D’Andre Swift get sidelined by injuries and also their No. 2 wideout DJ Chark. Then, on Sunday in Dallas, their No. 1 receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown went out with a concussion, and now the Lions have scored six points combined the past two games. One thing Miami has to be careful about is Aidan Hutchinson. The Lions moved the No. 2 pick in the 2022 draft from defensive end to more of a pure edgerusher the past two games.