The Miami Dolphins got blown to bits in Week 2 by the Buffalo Bills, but they can rebound nicely with a win over the streaking Las Vegas Raiders on the road Sunday. Of course, that’s going to be easier said than done for the Fins, especially with a backup quarterback under center, but we’ll see what the team is made of when they take on Derek Carr and company. The Raiders have a clean slate so far. Can they keep it going? Take a look at how these two teams match up and see our Dolphins-Raiders prediction plus the odds of the contest in this preview.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Dolphins vs. Raiders Week 3 game.

NFL Odds: Dolphins-Raiders Odds

Miami Dolphins +4 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders -4 (-110)

Over 45.0 (-110)

Under 45.0 (-110)

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Why the Dolphins Could Win

Everybody has heard of the news. Tua Tagovailoa is out with a rib injury. In lieu of the former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback this Sunday will be Jacoby Brissett, who will be making his first start of the season. Brissett stepped in for Tagovailoa in the middle of Week 2’s 35-0 loss to the Buffalo Bills and finished with 169 yards with zero touchdowns and an interception on 24-of-40 pass completions. Those numbers are nothing to write home about, but Brissett could put up a more admirable performance following a set of practices focused on him as the starter.  

Miami’s defense could have one big problem less to worry about for this game, with Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs questionable due to toe and ankle issues. The Dolphins have been gashed a lot by opponents on the ground this season, so a Jacobs absence is a big plus for Miami’s stop unit that’s still trying to regain its 2020 form. 

On top of that, Derek Carr appears to be dealing with an injury of his own, and it’s possible that he gets ruled out for this contest. Carr has the Raiders’ offense rolling this season and if he’s not 100% for this game, the Dolphins, who are 6-0 against the spread in their last six games after a loss, should smell blood early and capitalize.

Onto the Las Vegas part of this Dolphins Raiders prediction and preview…

Why the Raiders Could Win

Are the Raiders for real? That’s been a refrain in the NFL ever since Las Vegas, which is 5-1 ATS in its last six games in September, took down the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. And after doubling on that success with a 26-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road, they have turned more people into believers. The Raiders will look to sustain their momentum with the help of their defense that must be thrilled to be facing a team that has not scored since Week 1 of the season. 

The Raiders’ defense is proving to be a mild surprise this season, as it is allowing just 22.0 points per game. Miami could have a harder time putting together meaningful drives against the Raiders, who’ve been so good at spoiling opposing drives. The Raiders are letting opponents succeed on just 33.3 percent of third-down attempts, so far this season. In addition to that, Las Vegas is staring at the Dolphins’ pass protection that’s been as effective as an expired sunblock on a hot summer day on the beach. 

Miami has given up eight sacks in two games. Then, of course, there’s Derek Carr and the Raiders’ offense that is averaging close to 30 points per game. Carr and Darren Waller could eat a lot in this game against the Dolphins, who are just looking out of their element on both ends of the field.

Final Dolphins-Raiders Prediction & Pick

It’s just hard to trust the Dolphins to win a game against a red-hot Raiders squad, but we have seen crazier things happen before. There’s no way but up for Miami after getting shut out in Week 2 by Buffalo, and the Raiders could be due for a stumble. I say, take the Raiders to win but the Dolphins to cover.

FINAL PICK: Dolphins +4 (-110)