Monday Night Football Preview: Dolphins vs. Rams

Tomorrow night, the Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams will square off in an electrifying Monday Night Football matchup that promises fast-paced action, skilled playmaking, and plenty of scoring opportunities. Both teams have their eyes set on the playoffs and need a win to strengthen their standing, making this a crucial game for both sides.


Where to Watch

Date: Monday, November 11, 2023

Time: 8:15 PM ET

Channel: ESPN

Streaming: ESPN App, FuboTV

Matchup Overview

The Miami Dolphins (6-3) bring one of the league's most explosive offenses, led by a lightning-fast receiving corps and a versatile quarterback. The Los Angeles Rams (5-4), on the other hand, have a balanced attack, blending strong passing with a solid ground game. Both teams are known for their high-scoring potential, so this game could turn into a thrilling offensive showcase.


Players to Watch

Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa, QB: Tua has been lighting up the field with over 2,500 passing yards and 18 touchdowns so far. His quick release and ability to extend plays make him a nightmare for defenses, and he'll look to exploit the Rams' secondary on Monday night.


Tyreek Hill, WR: The NFL’s fastest receiver is having a stellar season, leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. His ability to turn short passes into long gains has made him one of the league’s most dangerous players, and he’ll be Tua’s go-to target as always.


Jaelan Phillips, DE: Phillips has been a key figure on Miami’s defense, applying consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He’ll play a crucial role in trying to disrupt the Rams' offensive rhythm and make life difficult for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.


Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford, QB: Stafford has been efficient this season, posting over 2,300 passing yards with 16 touchdowns. Known for his deep-ball accuracy and quick decision-making, he’ll need to exploit the Dolphins’ secondary if the Rams hope to keep pace with Miami’s high-powered offense.


Cooper Kupp, WR: After missing the early part of the season, Kupp is back and making an impact. His precise route-running and ability to find open space make him a consistent target, and Stafford will look to him to exploit Miami’s secondary.


Aaron Donald, DT: One of the league’s most dominant defensive players, Donald remains a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. His pass-rushing skills and run-stopping ability make him an essential piece of the Rams' defense, and he’ll be vital in pressuring Tua and keeping Miami’s offense in check.


Key Matchups

Miami’s Receiving Corps vs. Rams’ Secondary: The Dolphins’ passing game is among the most dynamic in the league, with Hill and Jaylen Waddle offering Tua two explosive targets. The Rams' secondary will need to be at their best to contain Miami’s speedy receivers, as even one missed tackle could lead to a touchdown.


Aaron Donald vs. Miami’s Offensive Line: Keeping Tua protected is a priority for Miami, but Aaron Donald is sure to test their protection schemes. The Dolphins’ offensive line has shown improvement, but facing Donald is a different challenge altogether. If Donald can break through, he could disrupt Tua’s rhythm and potentially change the game.


Rams’ Balanced Attack vs. Miami’s Defense: The Rams bring a balanced offense that can strike through the air or on the ground. Miami’s defense, led by Phillips and cornerback Xavien Howard, will need to cover both options effectively to keep Stafford and his receivers in check.


Team Stats to Know

Miami Dolphins:


Ranked 1st in the league for total offense, averaging over 410 yards per game.

Tua has an impressive 69% completion rate, showing his ability to execute consistently.

The Dolphins lead the NFL in explosive plays, with 20+ yard gains a regular feature of their offense.

Los Angeles Rams:


The Rams rank 5th in passing yards per game, driven by Stafford’s accuracy and Kupp’s receiving talent.

Aaron Donald ranks top 10 among defensive tackles in sacks and pressures, highlighting his ability to disrupt the pocket.

The Rams are 6th in third-down conversion rate, showing their efficiency in keeping drives alive.

What to Expect

This Monday night battle promises to be a showcase of offensive fireworks and tactical defensive plays. Miami’s lightning-quick offense will aim to overwhelm the Rams with speed and deep plays, while Los Angeles will try to counter with a balanced attack and defensive pressure. The game could come down to whichever team makes the fewest mistakes, with turnovers and big defensive stops likely playing a crucial role.


The Rams will rely on Stafford’s experience and Kupp’s ability to open up passing lanes, while the Dolphins will look to Tua and Hill to stretch the field and find the end zone. It’s shaping up to be a high-scoring game, and if both offenses get into a rhythm, we could see a close battle well into the fourth quarter.


Prediction

Given Miami’s high-powered offense, the Dolphins are slight favorites, especially if they can maintain their explosive play rate. However, the Rams’ experience and defensive strength, particularly with Aaron Donald, could help them slow down Miami’s pace. Expect a close, competitive game with both teams vying for the upper hand in the playoff race.


Tune in tomorrow night for an unforgettable matchup as the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams face off under the Monday Night Football lights!