The Miami Dolphins will look to retain their winning ways on Sunday, taking on the Oakland Raiders at home. The Raiders are looking to notch their first 4-game winning streak since 2002 and maintain their lead in the AFC West.
Miami broke its recent winning streak on Thanksgiving, all but killing its extremely thin playoff hopes. They face a team hitting its stride during a crucial stretch.
When the Dolphins have the ball: The Dolphins offense was back in its early-season form on Thanksgiving in Dallas, attempting 5 field goals and losing despite outgaining the Cowboys by 50 yards. Miami was 3 of 12 on third-down conversions. They will have no shot at winning if it repeats that outcome.
The Raiders will be without second-leading tackler Rolando McClain, who was arrested Wednesday in Alabama for assault in the third degree, menacing, reckless endangerment. The Raiders have one of the worst defenses in the NFL statistically, giving up 23.6 points per game.
Their pass rush could give Miami's shaky offensive line fits, though. Kamerion Wimbley, Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly all have over 5 sacks, while the defense as a whole has created 21 turnovers on the year. If Matt Moore has one of his mistake-prone days, things could get out of hand early.
When the Raiders have the ball: Many observers thought the Raiders were crazy for trading a first and second round pick for QB Carson Palmer in October, but he has hit is stride in the past three weeks. Palmer has completed 65% of his passes over that period for 9.6 yards per attempt.
But the forte of Oakland's offense is the rushing game. Michael Bush has filled in admirably for the injured Darren McFadden, and the Raiders are 4th in the league in yards on the ground. Oakland can be slowed down, though, as the Bears showed last week. The Raiders only managed 73 rushing yards, but managed to win anyway.
The Dolphins could not stave off a last-minute drive ending in a Cowboys' game-winning field goal last week, but they have been much better on defense as of late. In the past four weeks, the defense has given up only 40 points, less than half their average over the first seven games.
Who has the edge? With a trip to Green Bay coming next week, Oakland is prone to overlooking Miami. The Dolphins have improved on defense, but if Miami's field goal binge continues, they will not be able to win.
Dolphins=in-denial quote of the week: "Spoiler role, you're insinuating that we're out of it and that we have nothing to play for. And I don't see it that way." -Kevin Burnett
The Pick: Raiders 24-Dolphins 9
Details: Oakland Raiders (7-4) at Miami Dolphins (3-8)
TV: CBS, 1:00 p.m., Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
Line: Dolphins by 3
Previously: Dolphins won 33-17 in Oakland last season
