Cardinals at Dolphins: Game preview, odds, prediction

The Miami Dolphins will play host to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, in a matchup that could have huge ramifications in the playoff push for both teams.

Heading into their Week 13 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Miami Dolphins were one of the hottest teams in football. Winners of six straight, the Dolphins had bullied their way back into the playoff picture in the AFC. However, the Ravens absolutely crushed Miami in every facet of the game, winning 38-6 in blowout fashion.

Arizona was able to pick up a win last week, though they needed every bit of David Johnson to do so. With the win, they kept their slim playoff hopes alive, as they ran their record to 5-6-1 on the season. Johnson had a huge game both rushing and receiving, leading his team to a 31-23 win. The Cardinals have not had the kind of season that most were expecting coming in, and are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in three years.

The big turnaround for Miami has been the play of their running back, as Jay Ajayi has established himself as a feature back for head coach Adam Gase. Ajayi has had some remarkable games this season, and his emergence has helped Ryan Tannehill play better football as of late. Gase should be in the running for Coach of the Year, as he has turned the franchise around in his first season at the helm.

Odds

Line: Miami (-1)
Over/Under: 43.5

This game has the potential to be a good one, as both teams will be looking to win out the rest of the way. The AFC is stacked with teams that could win double-digit games this season, as Oakland and New England have already accomplished that. The Cardinals pretty much have no shot of winning the NFC West, but a good run could help them leapfrog some of the other wildcard contenders.

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At 7-5, the Miami Dolphins are fully entrenched in the AFC playoff picture. If they can get a solid game out of Tannehill, i.e. do not turn the ball over, then they should be able to move the ball against the Cardinals on Sunday. Arizona’s defense has looked a bit shaky the last few weeks, and if Ajayi can get it going early, it should be able to open up some passing lanes for Tannehill and his receiving corps.

The biggest issue for Miami is going to be stopping David Johnson, who is arguably the best running back in the league. Not only can Johnson hurt you in the run game, as displayed by his over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, but he can also make you pay in the passing game. Johnson has caught 64 balls for over 700 yards receiving this season, and could be in line for his first MVP.

Still, Miami should be able to care of business at home, and in the process, keep their playoff hopes alive. Arizona is pretty dinged up in the secondary, and if the Dolphins can get some pressure on him, they should be able to slow down the passing game. This one is going to be an interesting game, but in the end, the Dolphins win by a field goal.

Prediction: Miami 27 Arizona 24