The biggest games for any team are against their division rivals. The Miami Dolphins biggest games outside of the AFC East are all on the road. Week two they travel for one of the most important games of the season, the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore lost to Miami 22-10 last year in one of the best defensive efforts the Dolphins had. It turned Miami’s season around and led to a seven game winning streak. The Dolphins have often lost games to the Ravens that determined their playoff fate. Baltimore should be more healthy than last year, especially as this an early season game. The Dolphins run defense will have to be stout, and contain Lamar Jackson, for the team to pick up a big road win.
Miami will have consecutive road games in California the first one of which is against the San Francisco 49ers week twelve. The 49ers have a strong defense and running game. They were in the NFC Championship Game last year and suffered a difficult loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The game marks the return of Mike McDaniel and Raheem Mostert to San Francisco. Miami’s run defense again will be challenged, and San Francisco’s defense, led by Nick Bosa, also won’t make life easy for the Dolphins. San Francisco’s quarterback situation is still up in the air right now. That may be an advantage for Miami. Whoever starts pressuring either Trey Lance or Jimmy Garoppolo is vital for Miami to have a chance.
Week thirteen sees Miami stay in California to face the Los Angeles Chargers. San Diego represents another playoff contender in the AFC. Given how late this game is in the season its even more important for both teams. Quarterback Justin Herbert and Los Angeles offense represent a challenge for Miami. The Chargers hope their defense improved this offseason with the addition of Khalil Mack. Combined with the 49ers game the week before the two games represent a critical West Coast swing in their push for the playoffs.
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