Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins Preview, Prediction, Where to Watch

Oct 6, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws a pass against the Miami Dolphins during their game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Week 14: Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins

When: Sunday, 12/07/2014 at 1:00 p.m.

Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Live Stream: NFL.com

Radio: 98 Rock, Sirius XM

Local Radio Crew: Gerry Sandusky, Stan White, Qadry Ismail

TV: CBS (coverage map)

TV Crew: Andrew Catalon, Steve Tasker, Steve Beuerlein

Preview:  Another week, another pivotal game between two 7-5 teams thick in the AFC playoff hunt.  After blowing a prime opportunity by losing at home to the Chargers last week, the Ravens now find themselves travelling to Miami to take on the Dolphins.  The Ravens are 2-4 in Miami during the regular season, though they are 2-0 in the postseason (blame it on the heat).

The Dolphins have been impressive this season on the strength of Ryan Tannehill’s accurate passing and a stout defense, but neither were particularly on display last Monday night against the Jets.  The defense was gashed for 277 yards on the ground and Tannehill struggled for much of the game, but the Dolphins still recorded a win.

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The Ravens continued their roller coaster season by following a big win over the Saints with a heartbreaking loss  to the Chargers.  The secondary deserves most of the blame for blowing a game that the Ravens controlled for almost the duration, and simply had no answer for Phillip Rivers and Keenan Allen.

The Dolphins do not employ a big play offense, preferring to dink and dunk their way down the field.  Their 220.3 passing yards per game is only good enough for 22nd in the NFL, while their 120.3 rushing yards rank 10th.  The Ravens, on the other hand, enjoy the 4th ranked rushing defense (86.2 ypg) to go along with their 31st ranked passing defense (284.9 ypg).

The Ravens shouldn’t have a problem stuffing the Dolphins’ rushing attack, but may struggle to contain Miami’s passing game. You may not see any big time plays, a la Phillip Rivers last week, but Ryan Tannehill is a methodical and accurate passer.  The Ravens can win this game if they continue their strong offensive play, but only if their secondary steps up as well.  And right now, we are very skeptical that they can.

Betting Line: Dolphins -3, 45u -10

Prediction: Dolphins 27, Ravens 23