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Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Who has the edge?

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Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders: Who has the edge?


Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (6-3) and Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 11 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: This game could mark the return of rookie phenom De’Von Achane, as he’s back practicing following his minimum four-week absence from injured reserve placement, plus a bye week for extra recovery. If he’s back, look out, as the speedy home run threat is averaging 12.1 yards on his 38 carries.

If Achane isn’t in the backfield, the Dolphins still have Raheem Mostert to shoulder the workload, with Jeff Wilson Jr. and Salvon Ahmed sprinkled in, although it was peculiar that Ahmed play more snaps than Wilson in Miami’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Germany. The Miami offensive line, though, could be without multiple starting guards. Isaiah Wynn is still on injured reserve, and Robert Hunt and Robert Jones are working back from hamstring and knee injuries, respectively. It could mean Lester Cotton and Liam Eichenberg are leaned on at the two guard positions, although the recent returns of left tackle Terron Armstead and center Connor Williams to the lineup provide a boost.

The Raiders are not doing a good job against the run, ranking 29th in rushing defense. They’ve been a little better since Antonio Pierce took over as interim coach for the fired Josh McDaniels, but they still surrendered triple-digit rushing yards in wins over the New York Giants and Jets the past two weeks. Edge: Dolphins

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When the Raiders run: Expect a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs. Coming off a 2022 season where he led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards, the Las Vegas tailback tops the league with 186 carries. He just had 27 totes against the Jets last Sunday night. Now, that doesn’t mean they’re all successful rushing attempts. Jacobs is also averaging a pedestrian 3.3 yards per carry behind an offensive line that doesn’t get much of a push or create holes in the run game. As a team, the Raiders are 30th in rushing offense.

The Dolphins are 13th in run defense in a figure that’s still inflated by the 233-yard rushing outburst they allowed to the Los Angeles Chargers in the opener. It’s a tremendous outlier as, since, the most yards they’ve surrendered on the ground is 108. David Long Jr. continues to come into his own as an inside linebacker next to Jerome Baker. The Christian Wilkins-Zach Sieler defensive tackle duo is stout, and versatile safeties Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott are sound in run support, minimizing long runs. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is primed for a bounce-back game after throwing for a season-low 193 yards and getting a bye week to mull it over — all while braiding his hair over the idle week. While getting the ball out quicker than most quarterbacks, it essentially comes down to managing opposing pressure. Tagovailoa has been kept clean in all of Miami’s wins, but he has been sacked three or four times in their three losses, including nine quarterback hits at Buffalo.

The Raiders can get after the quarterback behind All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby, so that responsibility will land on right tackle Austin Jackson to contain him and his 9 1/2 sacks this season. Aside from Crosby, though, the Dolphins’ offensive line, even while shuffling at guard, should be able to handle Las Vegas’ pass rush.

Star wide receiver Tyreek Hill could also use a rebound on his quest for 2,000 receiving yards after multiple drops and a critical fumble lost that was returned for a touchdown in the loss to Kansas City. Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Miami’s passing offense that still ranks No.1 look to get going against cornerback Marcus Peters and a solid eighth-ranked Raiders pass defense led by former Dolphins defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who was under Brian Flores in 2019 before going to the Giants ahead of his current tenure in Vegas. Edge: Dolphins

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When the Raiders pass: It’s one thing for Aidan O’Connell to hold his own and manage victories against the Giants and Jets. It’ll be another challenge to hit the road and do it against the Dolphins defense in Miami while trying to keep up with an offense that can put up points. O’Connell will be put to the test as Jimmy Garoppolo remains out with his back injury. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Purdue is old for being a first-year player in the NFL, at 25.

The Dolphins will have to key in on star receiver Davante Adams, who has 57 receptions for 659 yards and three touchdowns. Jakobi Meyers has complemented him nicely (463 yards, five touchdowns), and Jacobs is also a receiving threat out of the backfield. Miami, though, has a second game with Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard together on the outside and Kader Kohou as the nickel cornerback in the slot.

Then, there’s the Dolphins pass rush, which ranks ninth in the NFL with 29 sacks. The edge-rushing combination of Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips is churning, and Wilkins is providing interior pressure. It’s not a good sign for the Raiders that the starting left side of their offensive line, tackle Kolton Miller and guard Dylan Parham, are missing practice early in the week. That could be advantageous for Chubb if he’s seeing Jermaine Eluemunor at left tackle. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: Raiders punter AJ Cole is one of the league’s best at his position as a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro. He’s averaging 51.8 yards on his punts with a net average of 47.1. Kicker Daniel Carlson is 17 of 20 on field goals with his misses from long distance.

Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders is 7 of 9 as he doesn’t get many field goal attempts. Punter Jake Bailey doesn’t usually see much of the field, but he did last time out with seven punts. Braxton Berrios is always solid in the return game, but the Raiders have a top punt unit behind Cole. Edge: Raiders

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Intangibles: Sure, the Raiders have come out a bit rejuvenated since Pierce took over, but these aren’t the Giants and Jets that his team will face in Miami Gardens. The Dolphins are fresh off their bye week and looking to kick off the final eight-game run with a bang. Miami enters 4-0 at home, winning those games by a combined 100 points. The Dolphins have beaten the teams they should beat, and this should be another example. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Raiders 16



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Miami, FL

Medley shelter to host adoption event this weekend

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Medley shelter to host adoption event this weekend


South Florida heat also affecting pets at animal shelters

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South Florida heat also affecting pets at animal shelters

02:11

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MIAMI – If you’ve been thinking about getting a new furry friend to have around the house, this might be your weekend.

Miami-Dade Animal Services will host a Love’s Full Bloom adoption event at its shelter in Medley.

Several years ago, Animal Services opened a new air-conditioned main facility in Doral. The open-air Medley shelter, which does not have air conditioning, was only supposed to be used for overflow.

Due to the county’s pet population growth, it is needed. More than 100 dogs are now housed there and with this week’s heat, they’ve had to make extra accommodations.

Ice in water is available and walking restrictions have been put in place, dogs are only walked for ten minutes in the morning and when the sun goes down at night. They are also being monitored for heavy breathing and lethargy. Pools are being used to keep the dogs cool.

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For this Saturday’s adoption event at the shelter, at 7401 NW 74TH Street, adoption fees will be waived for pets four months and older.

“The event will showcase a diverse selection of dogs seeking loving fur-ever families. Attendees will have the chance to meet and interact with the dogs, fostering connections that could lead to lifelong companionship,” according to Animal Services.

The adoption event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vendors will be there, including a groomer offering free grooming services to the first 10 adoptions.

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Miami Heat’s Star-Hunting Tendencies Drawing Them To Donovan Mitchell?

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Miami Heat’s Star-Hunting Tendencies Drawing Them To Donovan Mitchell?


The Miami Heat may do everything in their power to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell after missing out on Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal in recent years.

Mitchell and the Cavs were eliminated from the postseason on Wednesday, marking a second straight early playoff exit. Most believe Mitchell, 27, is the sole reason Cleveland made it past the first round. The lack of support when it matters most could lead to him refusing to extend his contract past the 2026 season.

“I think if Donovan chose not to extend, he would be able to kind of direct the trade a little bit because of the one year on his contract,” analyst Brian Windhorst said on an episode of ESPN’s Get Up. “The Miami Heat have been star hunting for a year now. They’re always star hunting. They have some players on their roster who would potentially be interesting to Cleveland, but not as deep in draft picks as others.”

Mitchell’s player option for the 2026 season is likely insignificant because he will either switch teams or extend his contract prior. The Heat should think twice before going all-in for the five-time All-Star due to the lack of success of front-loaded rosters. The Phoenix Suns Big Three had championship expectations this season but were swept in the first round, leaving their future in jeopardy.

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There’s no doubt Mitchell is one of the league’s top shooting guards, averaging 26.6 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.1 rebounds on 46.2 percent shooting in 55 games last season. Tyler Herro, a young player (Jaime Jaquez Jr. or Nikola Jovic), and draft capital are a sufficient package, but holding onto depth is arguably more important for a team that has reached the NBA Finals twice since 2020.

Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Inside the Heat. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on Instagram @anthony.pasciolla.

Follow all of our Miami Heat coverage on Facebook HERE

Subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE





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The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 Regular Season Schedule

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The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 Regular Season Schedule


The Miami Dolphins’ 2024 NFL regular season schedule was officially released Wednesday. Fans already knew who the opponents were — now they know the dates and times of the contests.

Miami will open the season at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The matchup pits quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence against each other for the second time since they first met in the 2019 CFB National Championship game between Alabama and Clemson. Lawrence’s Tigers won the contest.

The last time the two met was in 2021 when Lawrence helped Jacksonville pull out a 23-20 last-second victory.

Miami plays division rival Buffalo in the comfort of Hard Rock Stadium in a Week 2 Thursday Night Football matchup on Sept. 12. It will be the first of five prime-time games that include a home Monday Night Football matchup against Tennessee on Sept. 30, a trip to Los Angeles for Monday Night Football against the Rams on Nov. 11, a Thanksgiving Thursday Night Football matchup in Green Bay Nov. 28, and Sunday Night Football in Cleveland on Dec. 29.

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The Dolphins will be well-traveled in 2024 — with nine road games and trips out west to Los Angeles and Seattle, the Dolphins will cover 25,869 miles. Miami will travel to Indianapolis, Houston, Cleveland, and Green Bay as well, among others.

A notable game on the schedule is the return game for former defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who will be coming to Miami with the Las Vegas Raiders on No. 17.

Overall, the Dolphins will play seven games against six different playoff teams from the 2023 season, including four against division champions from a year ago. Five of those seven contests will be played on the road as the AFC plays nine road games in even years.

The Dolphins have a Week 6 bye week and seven road trip afterward, including right out of the bye, when they go to Indianapolis Week 7.

The Dolphins will face the New York Jets twice in the final five weeks, including the season finale at MetLife Stadium on either Jan. 4 or 5.

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Sept. 8, Jacksonville at Miami, 1 p.m.

Sept. 12, Buffalo at Miami, 8:15 p.m. (Thursday night)

Sept. 22, Miami at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 30, Tennessee at Miami, 7:30 p.m. (Monday night)

Oct. 6, Miami at New England, 1 p.m.

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Oct. 13, Bye week

Oct. 20, Miami at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Oct. 27, Arizona at Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 3, Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Nov. 11, Miami at L.A. Rams, 8:15 p.m. (Monday night)

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Nov. 17, Las Vegas at Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 24, New England at Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 28, Miami at Green Bay, 8:20 p.m. (Thursday night, Thanksgiving)

Dec. 8, N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 p.m.

Dec. 15, Miami at Houston, 1 p.m.

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Dec. 22, San Fransisco at Miami, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 29, Miami at Cleveland, 8:20 p.m. (Sunday night)

Jan. 4 or 5, Miami at N.Y. Jets, TBD



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