Two teams that recently played in separate games in London will play on American soil in Week 7 against each other. That’s the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins, who are both struggling to win games this season. Which team will enjoy a rare victory this Sunday? Check out our preview of this game below.
The Falcons did what Miami failed to do this season, which is win a game in another continent. Atlanta defeated the New York Jets in Week 5 in London, 27-20, on the strength of Matt Ryan’s arm. The veteran quarterback passed for 342 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception on 33/45 completions. Rookie tight end Kyle Pitts had his breakout party in that game, as he recorded 119 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. Atlanta did not have Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage in that game, hence the reliance by Ryan on Pitts. But after two full weeks of rest, Ridley and Gage could return to help break down Miami’s passing defense that let Marvin Jones Jr. collect 100 receiving yards last Sunday. Miami’s defense this season is not close to what it was in 2020, so the Falcons should be able to capitalize.
The Falcons are 9-3 against the spread versus a team with a losing record.
Losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday in London, 23-20, was hard to swallow for the Dolphins. That loss was a certification of how bad things are looking for Miami. That said, Atlanta isn’t exactly a great team for the Dolphins to feel intimidated even after a loss to the previously winless team of Urban Meyer. Plus, another week of practice could mean improvement for Tua Tagovailoa, who returned from a stint on the injured reserve list and passed for 329 yards and two touchdowns with an interception on 33/47 completions. DeVante Parker could also be back to help in the passing attack after missing Week 6 with shoulder and hamstring issues. Even without Parker, Tagovailoa managed to rack up over 300 yards with Mike Gesicki and Jaylen Waddle providing the spark downfield.
The Dolphins are 8-1 against the spread in their last nine home games versus a team with a losing record away from home.
