:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57466731/456278960.0.jpg)
The Miami Dolphins will be looking to get back in the win column when they face the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. In order to stay relevant in the playoff hunt, both teams will be desperate for a win. With the game rapidly approaching, let's examine what the experts are saying about this weekend's contest.
David Steele - Sporting News
Prediction: Dolphins win 20-13
Steele's analysis:
Good luck finding many who fully believe in either team. The Raiders appear to be exactly who their record says they are, with the glow of the thriller over the Chiefs evaporating quickly in Buffalo in their next game. In the two games sandwiching the Chiefs game, Derek Carr threw for two touchdowns and four interceptions combined. The Ajayi trade has the scent of a full-scale Miami offensive do-over … not that one isn’t warranted.
Elliot Harrison - NFL.com
Prediction: Raiders win 28-25
Harrison's analysis:
Can Derek Carr and Amari Cooper put a productive game together like they did versus the Chiefs in Week 7? Oakland will have Marshawn Lynch back for this contest, but at some point, it would be nice to see even a glimpse of last year's success through the air. The Dolphins enjoyed zero successes through the air last Thursday, at least not for their own team. The Ravens sure partied (in the end zone) on Matt Moore's interceptions. Perhaps the additional three days off will help Adam Gase's team, but we saw what the extra rest did for the Raiders in Buffalo.
Chris Simms - Bleacher Report
Prediction: Dolphins win 23-21
Simms' analysis:
This is a must-win game for the Oakland Raiders if they want any shot at getting to the playoffs. It isn't as important for the 4-3 Miami Dolphins, but it is big if they want to keep pace with the New England Patriots and Bills in the AFC East.
The problem with this game is it's a matchup of two inept offenses. Jay Cutler should be back for the Dolphins, but even with him, the offense has been inconsistent at best in Miami. The Raiders offense, which is ranked 20th overall, is one of the NFL's biggest disappointments this season.
...
I just have no faith in the Raiders right now because they seem incapable of putting a complete game together. Dolphins head coach Adam Gase has had a few extra days to put a game plan together. That should allow Miami to win an ugly game in South Florida.
James Walker - ESPN
Prediction: Raiders win 21-17
Walker's analysis:
The Dolphins lost 86 percent of their rushing production this week when they shipped Pro Bowler Jay Ajayi to the Eagles. That will hurt an already struggling Miami offense in the short term as it learns to adjust. The Dolphins are averaging just 13.1 points per game and won't score enough this week against Carr's Raiders.
How do you think the Dolphins will fare against the Raiders? Tell us your predictions in the comments below.
Don’t forget to check out our “Stop Doubting Us” t-shirt that is available through Breaking T. All proceeds received from purchases through The Phinsider will be donated to the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. You can purchase your own by clicking here.