- When: Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
- Where: SOFI Stadium, CA
- Spread: Dolphins (-3.5)
The Miami Dolphins will cap off their west coast road trip on Sunday Night Football against the Chargers. Tua Tagovailoa and fellow 2020 draft pick Justin Herbert will face each other for the second time in their careers.
Both teams are coming off a loss, but the Chargers are entering must-win territory in the competitive AFC. The Dolphins are 3.5-point favorites on the road and will be looking to win their sixth game in the last seven weeks.
Dolphins
The Dolphins’ five-game win streak was snapped last week against Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ stout defense. Part of the reason why they were held to 17 points was the absence of offensive tackles Terron Armstead and Austin Jackson. Fortunately for Miami, they should get Armstead back this week although not at 100%.
Filling in for Austin Jackson will be newly-acquired Eric Fisher, who started 14 games for the Colts last season. The Dolphins are in relatively good health overall and look ready for a huge bounce-back performance offensively. With Tua Tagovailoa at the helm, Miami has transformed into the second-best passing attack in the league and will be facing a team that allows the third most points per game in the league.
Chargers
Unlike Miami, the Chargers will likely be down multiple key players in their secondary. Starting cornerback Bryce Callahan and star safety Derwin James are doubtful to play.
The pressure will be on Justin Herbert to outduel Tua in what will likely be a shootout. Fortunately, Herbert will get Mike Williams back at receiver, marking the first time since week 11 that both Williams and Keenan Allen played together. However, in week 11 Williams got hurt again, so it really hasn’t been since week one that both have played a full game together.
Could this be enough to boost the Chargers’ offense past Miami?
Prediction
While the Chargers have a passing attack getting back to full strength, I don’t think it will be enough to overcome what Miami is bringing to them. Their performance against the 49ers shouldn’t be judged too harshly since we’ve consistently seen them beat up on bad defenses. The Chargers give up 371 yards per game and could let this game slip away by halftime if their offense doesn’t find a rhythm quickly.
Dolphins – 34, Chargers – 24
(All odds from DraftKings Sportsbook)
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