The Miami Dolphins are set to face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium, marking an exciting clash between the AFC and NFC. Both teams come into the match with records below .500, making this game crucial for their aspirations. The Cardinals secured a victory last week and aim to build on that momentum, while the Dolphins, having lost four of their last five games, desperately need a win to revive their playoff hopes. In their previous matchup in 2020, the Dolphins triumphed by three points, and they will seek to recreate that success in this rematch.
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Cardinals Battling Inconsistency
The Arizona Cardinals have struggled with inconsistency this season, but after their recent win, they are eager to establish a winning streak. Both the offense and defense have experienced ups and downs, and injuries have hindered progress. Despite these challenges, the Cardinals have managed two wins in their last three games, including a notable victory against the San Francisco 49ers. With upcoming games against the Bears, Jets, and Seahawks, this is an ideal moment for the team to string together some victories.
Injuries were a significant concern early in the season, but as they prepare for Sunday, the Cardinals appear to be in better shape. While the defense has some key injuries, particularly with Sean Murphy-Bunting sidelined in the secondary, the offense seems to be recovering well.
The Cardinals currently rank sixth in rushing and 25th in passing. However, with Kyler Murray and his young receiving corps gaining experience together, their passing game should improve. James Conner has been particularly effective, accumulating 504 rushing yards. Although facing Miami’s top-five defense will be tough, the Dolphins’ run defense sits at 21st in the league, providing Arizona a potential avenue for success. Given that Arizona’s defense is struggling, the offense may need to take charge in this game.
Dolphins Optimistic with Key Players Returning
This season has been a rollercoaster for the Miami Dolphins, and fans are anxious to see how the team performs in this matchup. The early part of the season was promising, but Tua Tagovailoa’s injury led to a string of losses. Their only recent win came against New England, which was by a narrow margin. With road games against the Bills and Rams looming, this game is vital for the Dolphins to regain their confidence. A loss could prompt the front office to contemplate trades involving some star players, raising questions among fans about the team’s direction.
Key players for Miami will see action, with Tua Tagovailoa returning to the lineup. The offense has struggled in his absence, scoring just 40 points in the last four games. His presence could significantly influence the team’s performance moving forward. Tyreek Hill has also battled a foot injury, but with Tua back, he appears ready to contribute. Jaylen Waddle’s status is less certain, as he has been limited in practice this week.
The Dolphins’ defense is expected to take the lead, particularly while the offense finds its rhythm. Miami ranks highly in several defensive categories, excelling against the pass. However, their challenges in stopping the run need to be addressed as they prepare for this matchup. While the offense’s performance remains uncertain, they should at least show more explosiveness with key players returning.
Best Bets for Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins
The Arizona Cardinals are predicted to cover the spread and win this matchup, relying on their offensive capabilities. Their strong ground game provides a significant advantage, allowing them to control the pace of the game on the road. For the Miami Dolphins, the team may struggle to shake off the rust on offense, and while they have star talent, it may take time for them to regain their chemistry. Additionally, the improvement shown by Arizona’s defense last week suggests they will have success again on Sunday.
