Week 14 Preview: Cardinals at Dolphins

After a loss last week, the Miami Dolphins will try to bounce back against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

The 7-5 Dolphins had a six-game winning streak snapped with their lopsided loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the loss, Miami sits in a contending spot and is currently in seventh in the conference standings. A win on Sunday could propel the Dolphins right back into a playoff position.

Both teams really could use a victory in this one with Arizona possibly being out of the hunt altogether with a loss. The Dolphins would still be mathematically alive even with a loss, but would face a tough uphill battle at 7-6.

Even though Miami has a better record than the 5-6-1 Cardinals, it is Arizona that enters the game as the favorite. When comparing the two teams side-by-side, Arizona wins almost every offensive and defensive competition. On paper, this appears to be a game that the Dolphins could have a lot of trouble winning. What should help the Dolphins however is the location of the game, Hard Rock Stadium.

When playing at home this year, Miami is 5-1 and has clearly showed it enjoys the newly renovated building. The Dolphins have had a dominant presence at home this year and will need that again on Sunday. Shutting down Arizona quarterback Carson Palmer from the start would be massive for Miami's defense. Palmer has had an ability to take over games if given ample time in the pocket.

The Cardinals have done a solid job in time of possession this year and have an edge of over 200 minutes when these two teams are compared. Some of that clock work can be attributed to Cardinals' rusher David Johnson who has eclipsed 1,000 yards on the ground this year. Miami's running back Jay Ajayi meanwhile has 908 yards after entering the season as a backup.

With Kiko Alonso doubtful for Miami, the team will have to try and win with a depleted core. Mike Hull is expected to be called upon in Alonso's absence if needed. While Alsono is officially listed as doubtful, his lack of practice this week suggests that his thumb and hamstring will indeed keep him sidelined.