The Miami Dolphins are set to face the Green Bay Packers in the final game of an exciting NFL Thanksgiving Day triple-header. The Dolphins, currently holding a 5-6 record, are on a winning streak with three consecutive victories. In contrast, the Packers boast an impressive 8-3 record and are in a fierce competition for a playoff position in the NFC North. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:20 PM EST on Thanksgiving night.
Read on for the prediction of the Dolphins/Packers game.
Dolphins Surge Ahead
The Miami Dolphins appear to be regaining their form, recently securing a commanding 34-15 victory against the New England Patriots. This win not only completed a season sweep over the Patriots but also marked the Dolphins’ third win since quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from concussion protocol. Coach Mike McDaniel expressed his satisfaction with Tagovailoa’s performance.
“He has improved his approach to playing the position throughout the game,” McDaniel commented, following Tagovailoa’s four-touchdown game. “The most significant challenge for a quarterback is maintaining composure regardless of the ups and downs and allowing each play to stand on its own.”
Tagovailoa completed 29 of 40 passes for 317 yards and four touchdowns. The Dolphins have demonstrated offensive prowess, scoring 34 points in back-to-back games and a total of 91 points during their winning streak. Miami’s defense also excelled, limiting the Patriots to just seven points and allowing a mere 268 total yards.
The Dolphins must be cautious moving forward, as they have six losses and only six regular-season games remaining. With Tagovailoa back in the lineup, the offense is revitalized, featuring star receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, both of whom scored in the recent game. Currently, the Dolphins rank 24th in scoring offense and 20th in total offense within the league. Their ground game is 22nd, while they sit at 19th for passing. The team is showing improvement in converting red zone opportunities, ranking 11th in that category. On defense, Miami is 11th in scoring defense and 7th in total defense, with a notable 8th rank against the pass.
Key Injuries: LB Anthony Walker Jr. and CB Kendall Fuller are questionable. LB Bradley Chubb, OT Isaiah Wynn, and TE Tanner Conner are out.
Packers’ Resurgence
The Green Bay Packers continued their strong performance with a 38-10 win over a depleted San Francisco 49ers team. Now standing at 8-3, the Packers are healing at the right moment as they chase the Lions and Vikings for the NFC North title. This victory also served as redemption for a team that was eliminated from the playoffs by the 49ers last season.
“This is the NFL,” said Packers quarterback Jordan Love. “Every team has talented players. We’ve faced injuries too. You have to find a way to secure the win, regardless of who is on the field.”
Running back Josh Jacobs has emerged as a key player for the Packers, rushing for 106 yards and scoring a career-high three touchdowns against the 49ers. Quarterback Jordan Love had a solid outing with 163 passing yards and two touchdowns, completing 13 of 23 attempts. The Packers amassed 363 total yards and controlled the game with over 36 minutes of possession while forcing three turnovers.
The Packers are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, with remaining games against both the Vikings and Lions. They currently rank 8th in the NFL for scoring offense and 5th in total offense, with Jacobs leading a strong ground attack that ranks 7th in the league. Defensively, Green Bay is also performing well, sitting 10th in scoring defense and 12th in total defense.
Key Injuries: LB Edgerrin Cooper, CB Jaire Alexander, and WR Romeo Doubs are questionable. RB MarShawn Loyd and OT Jordan are out.