Dolphins @ Jaguars Preview: Our Expert Tips & Staking Plan

Thu 24 Sep 2020, 12:30pm AEST - Sportingbase

These two teams were amongst the favourites to end the season with the first overall pick and little has changed there despite encouraging performances from both.

These two teams are certainly entertaining and with Gardner Minshew and Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback there is always the potential for excitement.

Jaguars limited on offence

The Jaguars pushed the Titans all the way last week after pulling of a stunning upset of the Colts in week one. Gardner Minshew has looked great in his early games but the late interception on Sunday when the game was on the line show his limitations.

The run game has improved since the team moved on from Leonard Fournette. Undrafted rookie James Robinson has looked every bit the NFL running back with over 200 total yards in the first two games and if the Jags are going to win, he will be key. Whether Robinson can continue this form is the big question. Miami did give up some yards to the Bills but with Josh Allen at quarterback, they have one of the toughest rushing attacks to stop. The Jags do not offer that same threat.

Big edge in coaching for the Dolphins

Miami are 0-2 but they have faced the Patriots and Bills and ran the second of those very close on Sunday. Brian Flores continues to show that he is an excellent head coach and will get the most out of his team. Ryan Fitzpatrick is fine, but we must be getting close to a Tua Tagovailoa debut. We may even see the young star tonight if things don’t go right for the Dolphins.

Wide receiver Isaiah Ford is emerging as a big part of the offence. He has 14 targets in the first two weeks and has converted that two nine receptions. He could have a good day up against a poor Jacksonville secondary. With Devante Parker potentially missing the game or likely to be limited, expect him to get plenty of opportunity.

Dolphins can get their first win of the season

These two teams have put up similar performances this season, but the Jags have managed to get that important win. But these are two teams at different points of a rebuild and Miami are the team on the up. The Jaguars lost a lot of talent in the offseason and despite a good start, it will show up soon enough. The Dolphins are so well coached and even as underdogs here, they can get their first win of the season.

There could well be some points in this game and while the over is tempting, the line has moved a little too far for me and 48 points is a stay away after being available as low as 44 earlier this week.