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Dolphins (1-0) at Ravens (1-0), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS, M&T Bank Stadium
Latest line: Ravens are favored by 3 1/2 points; over/under is 43.
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 1-0): Baltimore 26, Miami 24
The Dolphins meet a different Baltimore team than the injured one they beat at Hard Rock Stadium last November. It’s better than the New England team the Dolphins beat in the opener just from the fact Lamar Jackson is under center. Close, but no 2-0 start for the Dolphins.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 1-0): Ravens 17, Dolphins 10
This is a winnable game for the Dolphins, but pulling off the upset on the road may be too much to overcome. The Dolphins’ offensive line health could also be a major factor. Look for both defenses to flex their muscles. This game should be close the entire time, unlike the Dolphins-Patriots game.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 1-0): Ravens 23, Dolphins 20
History is not on Miami’s side in Baltimore. The Dolphins may have discovered something last year in how they defended Lamar Jackson. Some of that will translate to this matchup, but the Ravens will make adjustments, too. Baltimore takes a close one, maybe on a late, game-winning field goal.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 1-0): Dolphins 26, Ravens 24
Yes, the Ravens are a better team than the Dolphins right now, and the game is in Baltimore, where the Dolphins have a terrible history. The Ravens are universally favored by a few points, and there is no reason to think they won’t win. However, there’s something going on with the Dolphins right now, and maybe the momentum from the season-opening win over the Patriots carries over. Maybe Miami’s running game kicks in. Maybe the defense rises to the tough challenge of stopping Lamar Jackson. Maybe he’s a bit distracted by all the talk about his contract negotiations. Maybe Miami squeaks it out.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 0-1): Ravens 24, Dolphins 20
The Dolphins’ struggling running game doesn’t figure to get on track against the Ravens — which could be the difference in the game. Look for Tua Tagovailoa to get the ball out quickly with a banged-up offensive line. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson should be ready for the Dolphins’ heavy blitzes this time around. The Ravens, who wilted under the pressure of Miami’s Cover Zero scheme in their last meeting, have won the last two matchups in Baltimore by a combined 72 points. The Ravens also have one of the best kickers in the NFL in Justin Tucker.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 1-0): Ravens 26, Dolphins 16
Xavien Howard and the Dolphins hammered Lamar Jackson and company in November at Hard Rock Stadium, but Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium has been a house of horrors for the franchise, with Miami owning an 0-4 record there. In an oddly imbalanced AFC series, this will be only the fifth Dolphins trip to the Inner Harbor in the past 17 matchups between the teams. Remember, a low-production outing by Tyreek Hill for the Chiefs in Baltimore last year in Week 2 (three catches for 14 yards) was cited by the Dolphins star receiver as an early friction point in a season that ended with his departure from Kansas City. Baltimore brought the heat in its opener against the Jets, sacking Joe Flacco three times and then blasting him while throwing on 11 more occasions. Can the Dolphins’ already-limping offensive line hold up under the Ravens’ onslaught?
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