The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars kick off Week 3 of the NFL season in a Thursday night showdown. Both teams come off a three-point loss to division rivals. The Dolphins lost to the Buffalo Bills 31-28, while the Jaguars fell to the Tennessee Titans, 33-20.
This will be the ninth regular-season matchup between the teams. They’ve split the first eight regular-season showdowns, with the Jaguars winning the lone playoff matchup. The last time they played was in 2018, a game the Jaguars won 17-7.
Gardner Minshew has completed 75.4 percent of his pass attempts through two games, throwing for six touchdowns and two interceptions. His favorite target has been Keelan Cole, who leads the team with 12 targets and has caught a touchdown pass in both games. Rookie running back James Robinson is coming off his first career 100-yard rushing performance. He’s the clear cut lead back for the Jaguars in the post Leonard Fournette era.
Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick remains under center for the Dolphins, who are looking to get their first win of the season. In order to do so, they’ll need to increase their offensive production. Offseason acquisition Jordan Howard has two of the Dolphins four offensive touchdowns but has just 11 rushing yards on 13 carries. Miles Gaskin has been the most efficient running back for Brian Flores, averaging 5.4 yards per carry in the early going. He’s also factored into the passing game as well with 10 receptions for 62 yards.
The Dolphins will be without cornerback Byron Jones, who is suffering from a groin injury. Kicker Josh Lambo and Center Brandon Linder won’t be suiting up for the Jaguars, while wide receiver DJ Chark is listed as questionable with a chest injury.
Game Info
Date: September 24, 2020
Start Time: 8:20 P.M. est
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Stadium: TIAA Bank Field
TV Info: NFL Network
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: MIA +3 (-110) | JAX -3 (-110)
Moneyline: MIA +135 | JAX -165
Over/Under: O 48 (-110) | U 48 (-110)
The Jaguars are favorites for the first time this season at -3. Against the spread, they’re 2-0, with both games going over. The Dolphins, on the other hand, are 1-1 against the spread, with one under and one over hitting so far. The smart money is on the Jaguars -3.
Prediction
The Jaguars are running the ball efficiently through two games, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. The Dolphins, conversely, rank near the bottom of the league in team yards per carry, at 3.8. Both teams want to take as much pressure off their quarterbacks as possible, and so far, the Jaguars have done a much better job of it. Minshew’s focus will remain ball security and moving the chains, while Fitzpatrick will be forced into worse down and distances.
Final Score: Dolphins 21, Jaguars 30
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