The Baltimore Ravens have been ravaged by injuries this season. But despite missing key offensive starters Steve Smith Sr., Joe Flacco and Justin Forsett, the Ravens rumbled to an improbable 33-27 upset victory over the Cleveland Browns on Monday night. Baltimore returns on the road in a matchup against AFC East bottom feeders, the Miami Dolphins.
The Dolphins lost for the second consecutive time on Sunday, bowing down to the New York Jets 38-20. They’ll be hoping that a return home against the Ravens would give them the spark to start a win streak. There’s plenty of action in the NFL this week. Check out our complete previews for the Jets vs. Giants and Broncos vs. Chargers.
[sc:Football ]Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Preview
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami
When: Sunday, December 6, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Baltimore Ravens (+4) at Miami Dolphins (-4); total: 43.0 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Baltimore Ravens (4-7)
Score two for the Baltimore Ravens’ special teams. Kaelin Clay returned a Cleveland punt 82 yards for the first touchdown against the Browns on Monday night. Another special teams moment ended the game when a game-winning field goal attempt by the Browns was blocked by Brent Urban and returned by strong safety Will Hill 64 yards for the walk-off kick six.
[sc:NFL240banner ]With so many injuries to their offense, the Ravens may need to rely on their special teams to win games. Look no further than Justin Tucker. Baltimore’s strong-legged place kicker has booted the game-winner in three of the Ravens’ four wins of the season. Tucker may be in for another long day considering the Ravens have a pretty inaccurate quarterback in Matt Schaub starting under center.
Schaub completed 20 of 34 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the victory over Cleveland. He favored wide receiver Kamar Aiken, who caught 6 of 10 passes coming his way for a team-high 80 receiving yards and a score. Chris Givens also gave Schaub a deep target, catching his lone pass for a 48-yard gain.
The Ravens’ running game should be solid though. Using a one-two punch of Buck Allen and Terrance West, Baltimore racked up 104 yards on 23 carries in the game. The duo could have a big day on the ground against Miami. The Dolphins are the second-worst team in the league when it comes to rushing defense, allowing 138.5 yards per game this season.
Baltimore could also have a big day on defense. The Dolphins have repeatedly failed to give their quarterback adequate protection, allowing the sixth-most sacks this year. That could lead to one sack too many at the hands of one of Baltimore’s elite pass rushers, linebacker Elvis Dumervil who has a team-high 4.5 sacks this season.
The Ravens are 2-0-1 ATS in their last three on the road.
Betting on the Miami Dolphins (4-7)
After a 38-20 beatdown at the hands of the New York Jets on Sunday, Miami has now dropped for of its last five games. Don’t believe the gaudy stats of Ryan Tannehill, who had 351 yards and three touchdowns with just one interception.
Tannehill hurled all three of his touchdowns—one each to Jarvis Landry, Greg Jennings and DeVante Parker—in the second half of the game, when the Jets were already well on their way to victory. Landry finished with a game-high 165 yards receiving, while Parker added 80 yards. The two could be solid targets for Tannehill against a much better matchup than the Jets.
Tannehill could have a big game against the Ravens, who are allowing 258.9 yards passing per game (24th in the league). The Ravens have allowed 21 passing scores this year, the eighth-most in the league this season. Airing the ball out is crucial considering the Ravens have a very solid rushing defense. Baltimore ranks eighth in the league, allowing just 93.9 yards rushing per game, while Miami ranks 27th in rushing offense with just 91.7 yards per game.
If Miami is to hinder Baltimore’s offense, it’ll be through their secondary. They’ll need to force Baltimore to rely on the pass with an inaccurate and turnover prone quarterback, Matt Schaub. Schaub has thrown pick-sixes in each of the last five games he’s started. The Dolphins have just the man in their secondary who could extend that streak. Strong safety Reshad Jones has to pick-sixes this season.
The Dolphins are 1-3 SU/ATS in their four home games this season.
Writer’s Prediction
The Ravens run all over the Miami defense in a tight victory. Create a betting account now and win big on the NFL regular season while it lasts.
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