The Ravens are struggling on offense and the loss of wide receiver Mike Wallace (concussion) certainly doesn’t help. Their defense will have to step up in its place, but if you’re going to take Week 7 as gospel, their dismal performance against the Minnesota Vikings doesn’t incite much confidence.
The Miami Dolphins on the other hand have some momentum on their side after two come-from-behind victories in a row. While the AFC East squad will be without quarterback Jay Cutler, backup QB Moore helped the Dolphins leap over the Jets on Sunday in Week 7 and will be working with wide receiver Jarvis Landry and running back Jay Ajayi to attempt to outgain and outscore the Ravens.
The Dolphins are 4-2 straight up and 3-2-1 against the spread so far this season. Miami will be without quarterback Jay Cutler (rib injury) but that could be a blessing with backup Matt Moore stepping in. Moore threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to help Miami rally from a 28-14 deficit against the New York Jets in Week 7. Factor in Moore’s 2-1 record at the end of last season (replacing an injured Tannehill) and you’ve got a man with solid prospects for a full time job. Moore will be looking to solidify his position on Dolphins offense, with a strong performance on Thursday in Week 8.
The Miami Dolphins ground game is currently averaging 81.7 yards per game, with Jay Ajayi leading the way with a total of 442 yards on 125 carries. Defensively, the Dolphins are giving up 18.7 points and 308.2 yards per game.
The Ravens are currently 3-4 straight up and 3-4 against the spread, having lost for the fourth time in their past five outings on Sunday in Minnesota in Week 7. Flacco is simply not the quarterback he used to be. Sure, he completed 27 of 39 against the Vikings, but threw for just 186 yards in the process. His offensive line didn’t open up for many options either, with Flacco getting sacked five times, leaving Baltimore with a grand total of just 208 yards on the game.
The Ravens ground game is currently averaging 120.1 yards per game, with Alex Collins leading the way with 365 yards on 62 carries. Defensively, Baltimore is giving up 21.1 points and 334.6 yards per game.
Writer’s Prediction:
Expect a somewhat low scoring affair with the Dolphins coming out on top. Take Miami and the points.
