Our Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Chargers prediction takes a look at the Week 14 matchup that features a battle between two QBs selected back-to-back in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Let’s examine the current sports betting odds, and key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Tuesday, Dec. 6.
Dolphins vs. Chargers Odds | Week 14
- Spread
Dolphins -3.5 - Moneyline
Dolphins -175, Chargers +150 - Over/Under
52 points
Dolphins vs. Chargers Prediction
Miami is coming off of a rough loss in Week 13 to the San Francisco 49ers. The Dolphins offense has been one of the most prolific units all season long, but they fell flat against the 49ers, scoring their lowest point total since Oct. 23.
Tua Tagovailoa was uncomfortable in the pocket, missing throws that he normally makes look routine, and he uncharacteristically turned the ball over. In fact, entering last week’s matchup, Tua had thrown just three interceptions on the entire season. He threw two in Week 13 alone.
Looking ahead to this next game against the Chargers, Miami should get back on track in a much more favorable matchup. The passing game should have plenty of opportunity to put up impressive statistics, but it’s the running game that will need to be front and center this week.
The Chargers remain towards the bottom of the league in terms of opponent rushing yards per game with 151.6. Only the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, and Houston Texans have posted a worse mark through 13 weeks. This is the key to winning this matchup. If the Dolphins can take advantage of the matchup on the ground with their RB room, we should see a victory here for Miami.
As for the Chargers, they’re coming off of a tough loss to their divisional opponent in Las Vegas last week. They’ve now lost three of their last four games and sit with a 6-6 record on the season, which is dramatically worse than what many expected from this team going into the year.
The running game faltered last week for Los Angeles, with both Austin Ekeler and Joshua Kelley totaling just 65 rushing yards in a favorable matchup against the Raiders. Justin Herbert and the passing offense were competent – with Herbert going over 330 passing yards on the day – but they needed more from the running game to complement.
The big issue for L.A. this season has been on the defensive side of the ball. For as many star talents as they have in this unit, the Chargers have posted underwhelming numbers. They’re near the bottom of the league in terms of rushing yards allowed per game, and they’re also allowing the third most points per game through 13 weeks.
MORE: Buccaneers vs. 49ers Prediction
The key to winning this game for the Chargers is to open things up on offense. L.A. has scored more than 25 points in a single game just once since Oct. 9. This is despite having one of the league’s most explosive passers and an incredibly talented roster.
The Dolphins are going to score points on offense as long as Tua is playing and healthy. Can the Chargers keep up with them?
Dolphins vs. Chargers Prediction
Dolphins 27, Chargers 24