A critical showdown will be heading our way in Week 16 as the New Orleans Saints host the red-hot Miami Dolphins at Caesars Superdome. Who will prevail in this battle of 7-7 teams? Here's a breakdown of this Dolphins vs Saints Monday Night Football clash.
Miami Dolphins installed as +3 underdogs
There is just no stopping the Dolphins right now. Miami extended its winning streak to six games with an impressive 31-24 victory over the New York Jets in Week 15. It has been a stunning turnaround for the Dolphins, who had lost seven consecutive games before embarking on their six-game unbeaten run. They are just the second team in NFL history to record a 7-7 slate after starting the season 1-7.
Duke Johnson starred in the Week 15 win, rushing for 107 yards and a couple of touchdowns. His star performance was a complete surprise considering Johnson was a last resort for the Dolphins in the running back position given the COVID-19 issues that hit the team. Johnson delivered the goods in his emergency start against the Jets, recording the first 100-yard game by a Miami rusher this season.
For the Dolphins to extend their unbeaten run against the Saints, they will need to get a much-improved showing from Tua Tagovailoa. He completed just 16 of 27 passes for 196 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the win against the Jets. The Dolphins have struggled on the road this season, posting a 2-4 record in their away matches.
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New Orleans Saints enter Week 16 as -3 favorites
The New Orleans Saints kept their playoff hopes alive with a stunning 9-0 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. They once again became Tom Brady's kryptonite, shutting out the seven-time Super Bowl champion for just the third time in his illustrious career.
The Saints put the clamps on Brady, limiting him to just 214 passing yards. He was sacked by the Saints defense four times and recorded one lost fumble and one interception. Brady finished the contest with an 18.5 total QBR, his third lowest since ESPN first tracked the statistic in 2006. Brady's lowest QBR came in his previous home game against the Saints, posting a 4.3 QBR in a 38-3 loss last year.
The Saints made history in Week 15 as they became the first team in the NFL to beat Brady in four consecutive regular-season games. New Orleans entered the playoff picture with the win, jumping to seventh place in the NFC standings with a 7-7 record.
For the Saints to extend their winning run against the Dolphins, they will need defensive end Cameron Jordan to continue his outstanding play. He sacked Brady twice in Week 15 to raise his total to 100.5 career sacks. The Saints are 2-4 at home this season.
Writer's Prediction
New Orleans wins and covers the spread.
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