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Raiders at Dolphins -- Week 2
Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami (grass, outdoors)
Forecast: Isolated thunderstorms, mid-80s
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Spread: Raiders by 2.5
Records: Dolphins (0-1, AFC East: 0-0); Raiders (0-1, AFC West: 0-0)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Dec. 4, 2011: Dolphins 34, Raiders 14; Nov. 28, 2010: Dolphins 33, Raiders 17. Series record: Raiders lead 19-15-1.
What matters: The Dolphins failed to score an offensive touchdown last week in a 30-10 loss to Houston. The team won’t be favored many times this season and a home loss to the Raiders would put them on a slippery slope to the No. 1 overall draft pick next April.
Who matters: Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill didn’t exactly rewrite the record books in his debut against Houston. Tannehill completed 20 of 36 passes for 219 yards with three interceptions and was sacked three times. Offensive coordinator Mike Sherman said he has high expectations for Tannehill this week. Linebacker Koa Misi had a strong game near the line of scrimmage against the Texans; he made 11 tackles -- 10 of them solo -- in the loss. Misi entered the game with just 86 career tackles and may finally be reaching his vast potential after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft.
Key matchups: Miami DB Reshad Jones started at safety last week and made seven tackles, including one for a loss. The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder will likely shadow Raiders RB Darren McFadden in the passing game. McFadden made a franchise record 13 catches for a running back against the Chargers and is a key component of the passing game.
Injuries of note: WR Anthony Anderson (hamstring), RB Daniel Thomas (concussion) and DT Tony McDaniel (knee) missed practice Thursday.
Inside stuff: RB Marcus Thigpen was a special teams ace in the CFL and broke a punt return 72 yards for a touchdown against Houston. If Thomas misses time with a concussion, Thigpen could get extra snaps on offense and has breakaway speed.
Stat you should know: Dolphins running back Reggie Bush always finds a way to make an impact. Bush posted 115 total yards against Houston, marking the fifth-straight game he cracked the 100-yard mark of total offense. Bush also has been a standout runner in Miami, averaging 5.0 yards per carry during his tenure in South Beach.
Looking ahead: The Dolphins could see their entire season turned around with a victory. The team next plays the Jets, Cardinals, Bengals, Rams, Jets again, Colts, Titans and Bills. Miami could be favored in each matchup, depending on this week’s result.
Prediction: Dolphins 17, Raiders 13
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSDolphins.
