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Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders, 3 Most Important Matchups, Prediction
The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders, both languishing at 3-7, are set for a transatlantic clash in Madrid this Sunday, a game that feels less like a neutral-site spectacle and more like a last-gasp survival bid for two franchises desperate to salvage their seasons. For Miami, the stunning upset over the Buffalo Bills served as a flicker of hope, a testament to the explosive potential of their core offensive weapons.Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, with his lightning-quick release and pre-snap intellect, will once again be the focal point, orchestrating an attack that features the electric Jaylen Waddle and the home-run hitting ability of running back De'Von Achane. Their performance against Buffalo wasn't just a win; it was a blueprint, proving that when this trio is humming, the Dolphins can trade blows with anyone.Conversely, the Commanders arrive in Spain looking decidedly battle-weary. The absence of key offensive cogs Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin is a devastating blow, thrusting veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota into the spotlight.The Hawaiian connection between Mariota and Tagovailoa adds a intriguing subplot, but Washington's hopes likely rest on the shoulders of their own veteran leader, Coach Dan Quinn, who has taken the bold step of reclaiming defensive play-calling duties in an attempt to staunch the bleeding. This strategic shift will be immediately tested against a Dolphins offense that is poised to exploit any hesitation.The trench warfare will be particularly compelling. All eyes are on the right side of Miami's offensive line, where the potential return of Austin Jackson from a toe injury hangs in the balance.His presence would provide a significant upgrade, but after nine games sidelined, his sharpness is a major question mark. If he cannot go, the duty falls to Larry Borom, who, according to Pro Football Focus metrics, has been serviceable in pass protection but a liability in opening running lanes.He faces a fascinating challenge in the ageless Von Miller. At 36, Miller may have lost a step, but his pass-rushing IQ remains elite, evidenced by his four sacks this season and his knack for showing up in critical moments.This individual battle could single-handedly dictate the rhythm of Miami's offensive drives. On the other side of the ball, a narrative-rich matchup unfolds as Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb, coming off a dominant performance against the Bills where he tallied one of his five sacks, squares off against left tackle Laremy Tunsil.The history here is thick with irony; Tunsil was once the crown jewel of Miami's line, traded to Houston in a blockbuster deal that netted the Dolphins a treasure trove of draft capital, including the pick used to select Tagovailoa. Now with Washington, the 31-year-old Tunsil remains a bastion of pass-blocking excellence, having refined his technique to cut down on the penalties that once marred his game.Chubb, playing with a ferocity that justifies his contract, will look to disrupt Mariota's timing, potentially forcing the kind of mistakes that have plagued the Commanders' season. Perhaps the most tactically intriguing duel will occur in the secondary, where Dolphins defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick is likely to see significant time shadowing the Commanders' primary remaining weapon, Deebo Samuel.Coach Mike McDaniel's intimate knowledge of Samuel from their shared time in San Francisco gives Miami a unique advantage. Expect a chess match, with Fitzpatrick potentially deployed as a nickel corner to counter Samuel's devastating work from the slot.While Samuel, now 29, may not be the same All-Pro force he was two seasons ago, his YAC ability remains a constant threat, and with McLaurin out, his target share is destined to skyrocket. The Dolphins' ability to contain him, whether with Fitzpatrick, Jack Jones, or a combination of coverages, will be paramount.Stepping back, this game is a microcosm of two franchises at a crossroads. For Miami, a victory keeps faint playoff hopes on life support and validates the progress under McDaniel.For Washington, it's about establishing a new identity under Quinn and finding a way to compete despite a decimated roster. The analytical edge, however, clearly tilts towards South Beach.Tagovailoa's precision should consistently dissect a Washington secondary in flux, while the Commanders' injury-depleted offense will struggle to keep pace. The final prediction reflects this disparity: Dolphins 28, Commanders 17. In the grand calculus of the NFL season, this is a must-win for Miami to maintain any semblance of intrigue, and on the national stage in Madrid, their superior firepower and relative health should be the deciding factors.
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#Miami Dolphins
#Washington Commanders
#NFL International Series
#game prediction
#key matchups
#Tua Tagovailoa
#Marcus Mariota
