The Miami Dolphins will try and improve their record to 3-0 when they host the Oakland Raiders on Sunday.
Miami is coming off a solid road win over the New York Jets and now has a big opportunity in front of it. The Raiders are 0-2 and looked rough at times during their two games this season. A loss in this game could potentially come back to haunt Miami later in the season.
The Dolphins have received strong performances from their defensive line and they will need it again in this one. Despite Oakland's 0-2 start, Derek Carr remains one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Miami will need to put pressure on him early, as it did against Sam Darnold and the Jets. If Carr can be taken out of the equation, the Dolphins should be able to cruise to a win on Sunday.
Ryan Tannehill should have a new target to throw to in this one, as DeVante Parker is expected to make his 2018 debut. Parker has been out of action with a broken finger but is not listed on Miami's injury report ahead of this game. Parker may not see a lot of balls thrown his way, but his presence should still open Miami's playbook a little more.
Tannehill has been solid in his two games this season, after not participating in a regular season game in quite some time. Tannehill's last regular season start prior to a win over Tennessee was in 2016. The quarterback has now won nine of his last ten starts dating back to that season. Tannehill has been accurate with his passes in 2018, with a very strong 72.5 completion percentage. The veteran QB has picked up four touchdowns thus far.
Oakland's defense took a big hit right before the season, when it traded away Khalil Mack. The impact of that move has been evident, as the Raiders have allowed 375 yards a game. With Oakland's defense playing poorly, Tannehill should have an opportunity for a big day. Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore could also see a boost in their numbers in this game.
Sunday's kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
