The AFC East Champion Miami Dolphins have not shown any team dominance over the last few games of the season and find themselves playing the underdog role against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens come into Dolphins Stadium after securing the last playoff spot with a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Neither team have explosive offenses, favoring a steady march downfield with the occasional missed tackle for a big gain format, so do not expect either quarterback to be flinging it. While the Ravens employ a more traditional running game, the Dolphins will utilize more short passes and misdirection to gain yardage.
It is the almighty defense that will decide the game. The Ravens Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are game changers. Their experience dismantled the Dolphin’s Wildcat formation when they met in Week 7 with the Ravens prevailing 27-13. The Dolphin’s sack leader, Joey Porter, should expect little pass rushing opportunities but many chances for tackles as the Ravens are expected to run on his side of the field.
The betting line favored Baltimore by 3.5 but went down to 2.5 heading into the weekend. It is going to close but Miami has the momentum going in and with the playoffs it is not about who the better team is but rather which team is hitting its stride.
24-17 Fish are going to ground the Ravens.
Keywords: Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed, Joey Porter, Miami Dolphins, Ray Lewis
