Rams (5-2) at Dolphins (3-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. TV: Fox
Danny Sheridan’s line: Rams by 3 1⁄
2
Rams’ keys to victory: If they can get chunk gains on the ground on first and second down, it will prevent Miami’s aggressive defense from teeing off on QB Jared Goff on third downs. On defense, look for the Rams to try to blitz to create confusion in the protections and create some mental errors for Miami’s offense. The Rams want to avoid getting into a dogfight late given that they’re coming out of a short week of rest after playing on Monday night. The faster the Rams can start, the better their odds.
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami has jumped on top of opponents quickly in its three wins. The major story line for the Dolphins is at quarterback: The change from Ryan Fitzpatrick to rookie Tua Tagovailoa is going to provide Miami with a chance to implement more run-pass option concepts into the game plan, which should also help loosen up opposing defenses attempting to crowd the box and stuff the run.
Matchup to watch: Dolphins WR DeVante Parker vs. Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. This heavyweight clash will feature some of the better individual talents at each of their respective positions. Going back to the midpoint of the 2019 season, few other NFL wide receivers have been more productive than Parker, who should see Ramsey following him around for much of the game.
Who wins? The Dolphins will have the advantage of playing at home and catching the Rams on a short week of rest. If Tagovailoa is who the Dolphins thought he was when drafting him at No. 5 overall, they will win.
Dolphins 30-27
– Kyle Crabbs Dolphins Wire