NFL Week 16: Trends which will decide each game

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 20: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans caries the football against the defense of the Detroit Lions during the first quarter of the game at Nissan Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Quarterback Marcus Mariota #8 of the Las Vegas Raiders drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium on December 17, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chargers defeated the Raiders in overtime 30-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins (9-5) at Las Vegas Raiders (7-7), 8:15 pm

Dolphins: After finishing dead last in the AFC East a year ago, the team has come a long way after last year’s 0-7 start. And the key to the turnaround has been a bend-but-don’t-break defense similar to the Patriots of the early 2000s. Miami ranks 18th in the NFL in total yards per game allowed (358.1) but Brian Flores’ team has given up the fewest points in the league and also leads the way with 26 takeaways. The pass rush, led by Emmanuel Ogbah (9), has totaled 37 sacks in 14 outings. A year ago, no team in the league finished with fewer quarterback traps (23) and Flores’ club managed just 16 takeaways. The ‘Fins are 14-9 in their last 23 games since last year’s winless start.

Raiders: The Silver and Black won six of their first nine games and appeared on the path of the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2016. But an already-suspect defense has been flat out awful as of late. The club has allowed a whopping 180 points in their last five games – four resulting in losses. To be fair, two touchdowns were courtesy of quarterback Derek Carr interceptions returned for scores. And speaking of the seven-year signal-caller, he may indeed be available for this prime time affair (via Nick Shook of NFL.com). It’s also worth noting that the Raiders are 2-5 at home this year and in those five losses, Gruden’s club has allowed 30-plus points in each outing.

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