Week 10 games Miami Dolphins fans should keep an eye on

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A fan of the Miami Dolphins cheers after Christian Wilkins is drafted thirteenth overall by the Miami Dolphins on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: A fan of the Miami Dolphins cheers after Christian Wilkins is drafted thirteenth overall by the Miami Dolphins on day 1 of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Miami Dolphins are winless no more, but the big question now is, how will this affect their ability to land the franchise quarterback that fans are clamoring for?

Let’s take a look at games around the NFL that Miami Dolphins fans should keep their eye on. This week we’ve added some additional teams to the list.

Sunday – 1:00 pm – Baltimore Ravens (6-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-8) 

The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a big win knocking the New England Patriots from the ranks of the unbeaten.  Normally this could be a let down game but this isn’t going to be the case. The 0-8 Bengals are turning over the reigns to rookie quarterback Ryan Finley this week.

The Raven defense did a great job last week making Tom Brady look pedestrian so it’s hard to think that they won’t do the same to the rookie. Lamar Jackson continues to make a case to be in the MVP conversation.  Paired with his running ability, Lamar does just enough in the passing game to make him incredibly difficult to deal with.

This one gets ugly and the Bengals continue to hold on to the top spot in the draft order.  Baltimore Ravens 31 – Cincinnati Bengals 10

Sunday – 1:00 pm – Atlanta Falcons (1-7) at New Orleans Saints (7-1)

Drew Brees returned and nothing changed for New Orleans.  The Saints look like a legit Super Bowl contender. The Saints have a very good offense anchored by the two headed running attack of Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray, and we all know what Drew Brees can do in the passing game.

The real surprise is the Saints defense. New Orleans currently ranks fifth in the NFL in total defense giving up just 316 yards per game. They also boast the 10th ranked scoring defense allowing just 19.6 points per game. The Falcons continue to be a mess.

They currently sit just behind the Dolphins in the draft order tied with the same 1-7 record so they are certainly in the mix to overtake the Phins. The Dolphins hold the Saints 2nd round pick in next year’s draft which now sits at #61 overall.

The value certainly will not appreciate this week.  The Saints win big at home here keeping that 2nd round pick late as well as keeping the Falcons in the mix for the top spot. New Orleans Saints 35 – Atlanta 17

More from Phin Phanatic

Sunday – 1:00 pm – New York Giants (2-7) at New York Jets (1-7)

The Jets make their first appearance in the games to watch column.  Losing to Miami last week has vaulted over Miami in the race for the first overall pick.  The Jets currently hold the #3 overall pick. As a Dolphins fan, I’m happy to say, the Jets are a mess.

Darnold was heard saying he was seeing ghosts against the New England Patriots a couple of weeks ago. It seems that was still the case last week against the Dolphins.  Darnold still has all the tools to be a good NFL quarterback but right now he’s not playing with a lot of confidence. Add in the Adam Gase affect and the future doesn’t look great for the Jets right now.

The New York Giants are also starting to enter the conversation for the first overall pick. They currently sit at #6 overall, just two spots behind the Dolphins. Daniel Jones was mocked by many when he was chosen #6 overall last year, but he’s played really well at times.  This kid looks like he has the makings to be a good NFL signal caller.

This game could go either way. While the Jets are listed as the home team, there is no real home field advantage here. So I’m going to pick this one based on coaching. Shurmur > Gase (although not by much).  New York Giants 20 – New York Jets 17

Sunday – 4:25 pm – Los Angeles Rams (5-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)

Three weeks ago Dolphin fans were talking about potentially having two top 5 picks in the draft next year.  Fast forward to week 10 and the Steelers are riding a 3 game winning streak pushing their first round pick, which the Dolphins own, to #16 overall.  Not to mention the person traded for that pick, Minkah Fitzpatrick, has been playing lights out with multiple interceptions, including one taken 99 yards for a score.

The Steelers will host the Rams which has the makings for a really good game. You have to wonder though, which Rams teams shows up for this one? Typically this wouldn’t be a spot where you’d expect the Rams to win.  West coast team traveling to the east coast. But two things make this game different. First, it’s a 4:25 game. The 1 o’clock time slot is usually the one that causes havoc on the west coast teams. The 4:25 start makes it feel more like a normal 1:00 game for the Rams.

The second difference is that the Rams are coming off a bye. They’ve had two weeks to get healthy and plan for the trip east. This will be a close game throughout but I think the Rams have just enough offense to pull off the road win in this one. Los Angeles Rams 24 – Pittsburgh Steelers 20

Sunday – 4:05 pm – Miami Dolphins (1-7) at Indianapolis Colts (5-3)

There’s no denying the Miami Dolphins are an improving team.  While the record continues to show failure, those who have been watching see the growth happening on the field.  This season has provided critical playing time for many young guys who might not have even made the team has the reset button not been pushed.

There are some that still don’t belong on the field, but there are also some that have been surprises that just may be contributors going forward.  After their first win last week the Dolphins currently hold the #4 overall spot in the NFL draft. With the way they are playing and games still left against the Jets and Bengals, the #1 pick may well be out of reach.

The Dolphins were dealt a big blow last week losing promising rookie WR Preston Williams to a season ending knee injury. While the receiver position is one that the Dolphins have depth, Williams was clearly playing the best of the group.  This opens the door for Devante Parker to show he deserves to be with this team going forward.

Parker has shown flashes this season as well as the ability to stay healthy. The Colts come into this game with starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett a game time decision.  Even though, I don’t think that makes a difference. The Colts have an outstanding offensive line and they will win this game in the trenches. Look for Marlon Mack to have a big game here.  Indianapolis Colts 27 – Miami Dolphins 17