The Arizona Cardinals will look to win two-straight games for the first time since Dec. 5, 2021 today when they travel to take on the Miami Dolphins.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Arizona is coming off a 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Even with a severely depleted defense due to injury, the Cardinals did not allow a single touchdown and their offense was able to do just enough to pull off the victory. James Conner excelled all night, rushing 19 times for 101 yards and catching two passes for 51 yards, including a 33-yard reception on the final possession to set up Chad Ryland for a game-winning field goal. In total, Arizona outgained the Chargers 181-59 on the ground. Kyler Murray had a 44-yard rushing touchdown and 64 rushing yards total. Through the air, Murray went 14-for-26 for only 145 yards, a touchdown and an interception.
Here are some of Arizona’s team stats and rankings through seven weeks per teamrankings.com:
The Dolphins (2-4) are getting back starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) from injured reserve after going 1-3 in his absence.
Last week, Miami fell to the Indianapolis Colts 16-10, despite holding Anthony Richardson to 10-of-24 passing for 129 yards. Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins offense struggled once again with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combining for only one catch for eight yards.
Miami’s offense has scored the fewest points per game (11.7) in the NFL so far. On the flip side, the Dolphins defense has allowed fewest opponent passing yards per game (154.5) and third down conversion rate (26.47%) in the NFL. Arizona will have to look to get its run game going once again with both Conner and Murray leading the way.
Here are some of the Dolphins’ team stats and rankings through seven weeks per teamrankings.com.
Arizona is 3-10 against Miami all time and has lost the last two contests (2020 and 2016) with its last win over the Dolphins coming on Sept. 30, 2012 in a home game.
The Cardinals have ruled out three defensive players—starting defensive tackle Roy Lopez (ankle), starting cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (neck) and rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson (calf). They also listed starting right tackle Kelvin Beachum (groin) as questionable, but he will be available.
These are Arizona’s inactives:
Inactives #AZvsMIA:
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 27, 2024
Hill will be available for Miami after being questionable with a foot injury. This is who will be inactive for Miami:
Inactives for #AZvsMIA pic.twitter.com/NoCTDr9LY9
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 27, 2024
Local Game Information
Start Time: 10:00 a.m. MST
Location: Hard Rock Stadium
TV Channel:Â FOX
Radio:Â Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Spanish on Fuego 106.7 FM
Spread: Dolphins -4
Over/Under: 46.5
Prediction
Dolphins win 27-24
I think getting Tagovailoa back will do wonders for the Miami offense that has been a shell of its usual self to say the least. Tagovailoa will have a great chance to come back on a high note with how many injuries the Cardinals have piled up on their front seven. Offensively, Arizona should be able to run the ball well if it follows what worked last week, and that should lead to good opportunities for Murray either running himself or passing.
This will be a close battle, but the Dolphins and their fans are hungry to see the team they were hoping for going into the year, and we should see a pretty close version to that leading to a Miami W.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
