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Dolphins at Chargers: Game preview, odds, prediction

By Brad Weiss

Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) celebrates during the second half against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi (23) celebrates during the second half against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Miami Dolphins will head to San Diego on Sunday, as they take on Philip Rivers and the Chargers in a classic AFC match-up.

The San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins will meet up on Sunday afternoon in a classic match-up between two AFC teams. While the game will likely not be as entertaining as the game back in 1982 that is best known for Kellen Winslow being helped off the field after the Chargers victory, both teams head into their Week 10 match-up off of impressive wins, and will be looking to continue their winning ways.

For San Diego, quarterback Philip Rivers continues to put up big numbers and does not seem to be slowing down. Despite losing top wide receiver Keenan Allen in a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Rivers has done a nice job leading the team under center. Tyrell Williams and Travis Benjamin have stepped up big time for the Bolts, and rookie Hunter Henry is one of the better young tight ends in the AFC..

Melvin Gordon has emerged in his second season as a reliable back, and has been reaching the end zone on a consistent basis. Last season, Gordon failed to find paydirt during his rookie year, leading some to believe he was going to be a bust. In 2016, Gordon looks more like the back the team drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.

The Dolphins have a solid young running back of their own, as Jay Ajayi has really come on as of late for the Fins. Ajayi started the season as the team’s backup running back, as veteran Arian Foster was given the first shot. Foster has since retired, and in his last three starts, Ajayi has rushed for over 100 years in each contest. In two of those games, Ajayi rushed for over 200 yards.

Odds

Line: SD (-3.5)
Over/Under: 49

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Ever since Joey Bosa entered the starting lineup for the Chargers, he has given the team a shot in the arm. Ajayi has been a beast lately, but he may find some tough sledding against the Chargers on Sunday. If Miami is going to move the ball against San Diego, it will have to be through the air, where quarterback Ryan Tannehill has struggled mightily recently.

Despite being last in the AFC West, the Chargers have actually been a very solid team this season. They lost some games late at the beginning of the year but have been competitive in nearly every game this season. Rivers will move the ball against Miami, and the Chargers should be able to take care of business at home.

Prediction: Chargers 28, Dolphins 21

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