The Baltimore Ravens will travel to Hard Rock Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins this Thursday night in NFL action.
The Baltimore Ravens improved to 6-2 on the season after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 34-31 (OT), this past Sunday. Baltimore trailed by a 24-10 margin early in the 3rd quarter, however, the Ravens were able fight back to force OT and won the game in OT on a 36-yard FG by Justin Tucker with just :16 seconds left in OT. Baltimore outgained Minnesota by a 500-318 margin, however, did lose the turnover battle by a 2-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Ravens was QB Lamar Jackson who completed 27 of 41 passes for 266 yards, 3 TD, & 2 INT while also rushing for 120 yards on 21 carries.
On the season, Baltimore is averaging 27.6 ppg on 442.6 total yards per game (281.0 passing yds/g; 161.6 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Baltimore is led by QB Lamar Jackson who has completed 65.0% of his passes for 2209 yards (351.1 passing yds/g), 13 TD & 7 INT while also rushing for 600 yards & 2 TD on 97 carries. Baltimore was hit hard with injuries in the backfield prior to the season and lately have been using Latavius Murray (59 att, 212 yards, 4 TD), Devonta Freeman (33 att, 188 yards, 2 TD), & Le’Veon Bell (28 att, 82 yards, 2 TD). Murray has been unavailable due to an ankle injury and currently is questionable although he wasn’t able to practice on Monday. The top receiving threats for the Ravens have been Marquise Brown (46 rec, 682 yards, 6 TD), Mark Andrews (42 rec, 560 yards, 3 TD), & Rashod Bateman (12 rec, 161 yards).
Defensively, Baltimore is allowing their opponents to average 24.4 ppg on 442.6 total yards per game (281.0 passing yds/g; 161.6 rushing yds/g).
The Miami Dolphins snapped their 7-game losing streak and improved to 2-7 on the season after defeating the Houston Texans, 17-9, this past Sunday. Miami struggled with turnovers, however, the defense was solid against the Texans offense and the Dolphins were able to hang on for the victory after a 5-yard TD reception by Mack Hollins gave Miami a 17-6 lead going into halftime. Miami was outgained by Houston by a 272-262 margin, however, did lose the turnover battle by a 5-4 margin. Leading the way for the Dolphins was QB Jacoby Brissett who completed 26 of 43 passes for 244 yards, 1 TD, & 2 INT.
On the season, Miami is averaging 17.2 ppg on 315.9 total yards per game (240.8 passing yds/g; 75.1 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Miami has used both Jacoby Brissett (64.4 Comp %, 1127 yards, 5 TD, & 4 INT) & Tua Tagovailoa (65.6 Comp %, 1040 yards, 7 TD, 5 INT). Tagovailoa is the starter, however, missed last week due to a left finger injury and is currently questionable for this matchup. In the backfield for the Dolphins have been led by Myles Gaskin who has 313 yards & 1TD on 86 carries while also hauling 37 receptions for 188 yards, & 3 TD. The top receiving threats for the Dolphins have been Mike Gesicki (44 rec, 529 yards, 2 TD), Jaylen Waddle (56 rec, 496 yards, 3 TD), & DeVante Parker (25 rec, 237 yards, TD). Miami is without DeVante Parker who is currently on IR with multiple injuries.
Defensively, Miami is allowing their opponents to average 26.9 ppg on 407.7 total yards per game (296.7 passing yds/g; 110.0 rushing yds/g).
Miami was able to pick up a much-needed win against Houston, however, beating the Texans isn’t a major feat and I the Dolphins are going to have their hands full trying to slow down Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense in this one. Miami is riddled with injuries right now on the offensive end which I think will make it difficult to take advantage of a Baltimore defense that is giving up more points than we are used to seeing and as I think the Ravens will be able to put up 30+ on the offensive end in this one, I’m taking Baltimore to win by 10 and cover this spread. Good Luck!
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
