Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens: Preview, Key Players, Stats Breakdown, Schedule & Where to Watch

Dec 27, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) calls for the ball from center Michael Deiter (63) against New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Introduction: A Clash of Two AFC Powerhouses

Few matchups in recent NFL Week 9 schedules stir anticipation like Miami Dolphins vs Baltimore Ravens. Both teams are known for explosive play style but built differently. The Miami Dolphins shine through speed, spacing, and creative passing. The Baltimore Ravens lean into physicality, run dominance, and one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks — Lamar Jackson.

With postseason implications, top-tier talent on both sides, and national coverage possibly landing on Thursday Night Football (TNF tonight), this showdown is more than just another week on the NFL calendar.


Team Identity & Play Style Overview

Miami Dolphins

  • Fastest offense in the NFL (literally — team speed metrics lead the league).

  • Precision passing led by Tua Tagovailoa.

  • Heavy pre-snap motion and misdirection.

  • Home field advantage at Hard Rock Stadium, especially in humidity midday games.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Dominant run-first identity powered by Lamar Jackson and running-back rotations.

  • Strong edges and interior pressure defensively.

  • Heavy use of tight ends such as Mark Andrews and Charlie Kolar.

  • Coaching stability with John Harbaugh and elite defensive play-calling.


Quarterback Comparison

Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)

Tua Tagovailoa stats consistently rank among the league leaders in:

  • Completion percentage

  • Quick-release throws

  • Play-action efficiency

Tua’s strength lies in timing routes with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. When the run game featuring De’Von Achane or Raheem Mostert clicks, Miami becomes nearly impossible to defend.

Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

When fans ask “is Lamar Jackson playing tonight?” or “Lamar Jackson playing tonight”, it’s usually because his presence changes everything. His dual-threat style forces:

  • Safeties to hesitate

  • Linebackers to play spy assignments

  • Defensive coordinators to abandon traditional coverage

Lamar leads in:

  • Explosive run plays

  • Scramble conversions on 3rd down

  • Red-zone rushing efficiency

Ravens stats consistently show the team performs at a top-5 level when Lamar plays.


Running Game Breakdown

Player Team Role Key Notes
Derrick Henry Ravens RB Power runner; red-zone hammer
Justice Hill Ravens RB Change-of-pace, screen game
Keaton Mitchell Ravens RB Big-play potential (when healthy)
De’Von Achane Dolphins RB Speed-first, elite yards-after-contact
Raheem Mostert Dolphins RB Veteran vision and burst

Achane stats highlight him as one of the most efficient runners per touch when active.
Derrick Henry stats showcase physical dominance, especially late-game.


Receiving Threats to Watch

Miami Dolphins

  • Tyreek Hill: MVP-level deep-threat impact.

  • Jaylen Waddle (waddle): Slant, intermediate and YAC specialist.

  • Tight ends rotate but blocking is emphasized.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Mark Andrews: Top-3 NFL tight end when healthy.

  • Malik Washington: Rookie emerging as tough possession receiver. (Malik Washington stats show steady target growth.)

  • Charlie Kolar: Increasing red-zone usage.


Defense & Key Matchups

Dolphins Defense

  • Benito Jones provides interior presence.

  • Secondary features speed but can be vulnerable to physical tight ends.

  • Key question: Can they contain Lamar outside the pocket?

Ravens Defense

  • Matthew Judon (historically) + current Ravens edge pressure schemes thrive on collapsing timing offenses.

  • Strong defensive discipline in the flats and intermediate zones.


Depth Charts & Strategy Notes

Dolphins depth chart focus:

  1. WR speed mismatches

  2. Motion-to-stack route combinations

  3. Screen variation to slow pass rush

Ravens depth chart focus:

  1. Heavy TE personnel packages

  2. Power run sets and QB option

  3. Blitz disguise to force Tua into rushed throws


Where to Watch Ravens vs Dolphins

If you’re searching where to watch Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins or where to watch Dolphins game or what channel is the Ravens game on, here are typical broadcast options:

Region Platform
U.S. National Amazon Prime Video (if Thursday Night Football tonight)
Cable ESPN / CBS / FOX (depends on week schedule)
Local Streams Team official mobile apps (restrictions apply)
Global NFL Game Pass International

Search ravens game tonight or dolphins game in your regional listings for exact channel.


Schedule Outlook

  • Ravens schedule shows several playoff-caliber matchups remaining.

  • Dolphins schedule highlights key AFC East and Wild Card implication games.

Baltimore Ravens schedule and Miami Dolphins schedule both position this matchup as a late-season playoff shaping contest.


Baltimore Ravens vs Miami Dolphins Match Player Stats (Example Format)

Player Team Passing Yards Rushing Yards Receiving Yards TDs
Tua Tagovailoa Dolphins 275+ 2+
Lamar Jackson Ravens 220+ 50+ 2+
Tyreek Hill Dolphins 110+ 1
Mark Andrews Ravens 60+ 1
De’Von Achane Dolphins 75+ 25+ 1
Derrick Henry Ravens 80+ 1

Stats vary by week — check post-game box score.


Ravens vs Dolphins Prediction

This matchup could come down to:

  • Turnover differential

  • Red-zone execution

  • Which coach adjusts faster mid-game

Prediction (Balanced Analysis)

  • If the game becomes a shootout → Dolphins advantage

  • If the game becomes a physical trench contest → Ravens advantage

Final projected outcome:
Ravens 27 – Dolphins 24 (very close, could swing either direction).


Conclusion

The Baltimore vs Miami rivalry continues to grow as each team pushes toward AFC dominance. Whether you’re tuning in for Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa, Mark Andrews, Jaylen Waddle, Derrick Henry, Malik Washington, or the blazing speed of De’Von Achane, this game promises fireworks.

No matter how the ravens score and dolphins score unfold, this is must-watch NFL football.

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About Gurmeet 17513 Articles
Gurmeet Singh is a sports blogger and professional content writer from Jammu, India, with over seven years of experience, including work with Google. Passionate about sports and storytelling, he creates engaging, SEO-optimized content that informs and inspires readers worldwide.

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