Dolphins (8-3) at Commanders (4-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FedExField, Landover, Maryland
TV:
Spread (BetMGM):
Fox Dolphins by 9.5
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami should be excited about this matchup. The Commanders struggle badly against the pass, which means potentially huge days for WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Dolphins should have no trouble running against Washington, either. The goal for Miami should be to attack Washington’s secondary early. The Commanders can throw the ball but are turnover-prone. The Commanders are known for slow starts; if the Dolphins strike early, this one will be done.
Commanders’ keys to victory: If this game had been played earlier in the season, Washington would be more competitive. While the Commanders hung with Dallas for three quarters on Thanksgiving, the Dolphins are even more explosive than the Cowboys. The strategy for Washington should be to focus on the running game. Doing so is the Commanders’ only chance because it keeps Miami’s offense off the field. RB Brian Robinson Jr. has been outstanding.
Matchup to watch: Dolphins’ Hill and Waddle vs. Commanders CBs Benjamin St-Juste, Kendall Fuller and Emmanuel Forbes. Washington will need the secondary to make plays on the ball. Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa will give them chances, but the Commanders haven’t picked off a pass since Week 9 and have only snagged one since Week 6.
Who wins? The Commanders could be double-digit underdogs when the game kicks off. It’s possible Hill goes over 200 yards. The Commanders have trouble with explosive plays, Miami’s specialty.
Dolphins, 38-17