Staff Prediction for Miami Dolphins versus Baltimore Ravens
Each week the Phinphanatic staff will bring you their prediction for the upcoming game. This week the Miami Dolphins travel to Baltimore for a pivotal AFC matchup.
James Anderson
The latest report is Branden Albert and Laremy Tunsil will both play which should still keep the final score close but with a better degree of certainty. One other thing that factors the same is how banged up the Dolphins are, they had worked out 4 WR’s earlier in the week and WR Rashawn Scott has come off the practice squad to the active roster Thursday so DeVante Parker’s status could be worse than they’re letting on. They will find a way to win, the coaching has found ways to get some big plays. Chances look better now to build on the winning streak taking it to seven games. Prediction: Dolphins 27 Ravens 24
Sean Denison
Despite the return of Albert and Tunsil to the offensive line, the Dolphins are going to have a hard time running against the NFL’s best rush defense. Expect Miami’s offense to rely on Ryan Tannehill’s arm to make plays downfield. On defense, the key for the Dolphins will be to stop the Ravens ground game. But if Miami can’t get pressure on Joe Flacco, the former Pro Bowler can make their young secondary pay. Expect this game to be a sloppy, low-scoring affair. Being at home, Baltimore has the advantage. But somehow, like they’ve done the past six games, the re-energized Dolphins will find a way to walk out of Baltimore with a win. Prediction: Dolphins 16 Ravens 14
Eric Frosbutter
The Dolphins kickoff their December schedule with a trip to Baltimore in a possible Wild-Card preview. Miami will need to look like a playoff team and come away with a victory in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. Luckily for the Dolphins, they are expected to have their offensive line back to full strength, but could be without WR DeVante Parker. The Ravens have the best rushing defense in the league, so Ryan Tannehill could be asked to do a little extra to help the offense find ways to score. He has taken on more of a leadership role during the Dolphins win streak, and Miami looks like a totally different team because of it. As long as the Dolphins can limit their mistakes and even cause a few on the other end, I see the Dolphins squeezing away with another victory to extend their win streak and playoff hopes. Prediction: Dolphins 23 Ravens 19
Scott Lascari
Although we are expecting Albert and Tunsil to return to the starting lineup, the Ravens’ defense will test that line and the Dolphins’ offense. Miami will have to pass well to score while not completely neglecting the running game. On defense, the Dolphins should fare well against what has been an anemic Ravens’ offense. The game should be close and might turn on special teams, where the Ravens have a distinct advantage. Justin Tucker is 27 for 27 on FGs this year, with 7 of those coming from 50 yards or more. Expect the Dolphins to keep true to form and keep this game within one possession. But expect the winning streak to end. Prediction: Ravens 17 Dolphins 13
Brian Miller
The Dolphins enter December which has been their “Achilles heel” the last decade and the Ravens are playing tough football. Injuries for Miami could be worse but this Sunday is their biggest test since Pittsburgh. Prediction: Ravens 24 Dolphins 23
Tyler Olson
he winning streak has been great for the Dolphins organization and their fans. They’ve escaped a lot of close games by prevailing in multiple ways. Although it sounds like Albert and Tunsil are back Miami’s current streak of good fortune will run out this week. Miami struggles against Baltimore (haven’t figured out why yet) and in December. Baltimore’s defense will win them the game. Prediction: Baltimore 26 Dolphins 17
Carlton Ray
Despite the Dolphins victory over the Ravens last year with Joe Flacco sidelined with an injury, the Dolphins have not had much recent success against Baltimore. At this point, the Dolphins are due for a letdown game, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the Ravens pull this one out. The Dolphins best chance for a victory is for defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph, to use his knowledge of the Ravens offense, based on his time with the Bengals to score some points on defense. This is going to be a tough, low scoring affair. Look for the Dolphins to pull it out in the last minutes. Prediction: Dolphins 14 Ravens 10
Matthew Stevens
Both Larmeny Tunsil and Brandon Albert are expected to play Sunday but how long, or effective, they are is greatly in doubt. Meanwhile, Baltimore brings a ferocious and stingy front seven into this game. The Dolphins haven’t won in Baltimore since their inaugural season (1997) and I believe they will be out-muscled by the physical Ravens. Prediction: Ravens 16 Dolphins 13