Broncos (0-2) at Dolphins (2-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV: CBS
Spread (BetMGM):
Dolphins by 6.5
Broncos’ keys to victory: The easiest way the Broncos can take over this game is by clogging the middle of the field and forcing QB Tua Tagovailoa to beat defensive backs outside the numbers. Offensively, Denver should be doing everything it can to get the ball into the hands of WRs Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. They’re the playmakers of this offense, and while RB Javonte Williams is impressive, he can only do so much if the passing game isn’t working.
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami’s passing attack has been firing on all cylinders. Tagovailoa has found success early and often with his top two targets, WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. However, the quarterback also does well spreading the ball around, and he may have to do that in this matchup. Defensively, Miami needs to continue to show it can stop the run game. It held the Patriots to 88 yards on the ground in Week 2.
Matchup to watch: Broncos CB Pat Surtain II vs. Dolphins’ Hill. Miami’s top wide receiver has been on a roll through two weeks as he aims to become the first NFL player to record 2,000 receiving yards in a season. There haven’t been many defenders to limit Hill, but the only time he played the Broncos since Surtain entered the league, Hill was held to two receptions for 22 yards on five targets.
Who wins? Denver has plenty of talented players, but Miami has more. Miami has averaged 536 yards through two games. Until someone shows it can slow down this offense, the Dolphins should be favored in most matchups.
Dolphins 34-24