Predicting the Final Score of Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions
By Nick Wilder
@NickCWilder
Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Dolphins (5-3) travel north to take on the Detroit Lions (6-2) in a battle of playoff-hopeful teams on Sunday. Both of these solid squads are on three-game winning streaks heading into their matchup and have fared very well through nine weeks of football. A win this week for either team would be considered a great victory due to the talent on both sides.
This contest will likely come down to the wire, as it appears the teams are pretty evenly matched. The Lions have the home-field advantage, but the Dolphins have only lost one game on the road this season, which was way back in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills. Similarly, Detroit has only lost one home game so far this season to those same Bills.
Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill enters Week 10 red hot and playing the best football of his three-year career. He’s thrown for six touchdowns and only one interception in his last three outings, while also effectively running the ball for a total of 143 yards. However, Detroit’s defense will likely be up to the task of defending him. They are first in the NFL in touchdown passes allowed (9) and fifth in passing yards allowed per game (216.4).
The Lions will have All-Pro wide receiver Calvin Johnson back on the field this week, as he is set to return to game action after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. His presence will certainly have an impact on this game, although the Dolphins also possess a great pass defense, ranking second in passing yards allowed per game (201.1). Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford has been somewhat inconsistent this season, and he may have a tough time throwing the ball effectively on Sunday.
In terms of the each team’s rushing attack, the Dolphins definitely have the edge. The Lions rank 31st in the league in total rushing yards per game (74.0). Miami has averaged a much higher total this season (103.5), and young running back Lamar Miller has been a major weapon.
Detroit is coming off a bye and favored at home. This matchup is admittedly hard to predict, as both teams have proven to be playoff contenders. Even though Detroit boasts the better overall record, I’m going to take the underdog Dolphins over the Lions on Sunday, as Miami has been the better team overall in recent weeks. This battle has a strong chance of being the best game of the week on Sunday.
Final Score Prediction: Dolphins 27, Lions 24
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