Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Matchup Preview (11/11/21): Betting Odds, Depth Charts, Live Stream (Watch Online)

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Matchup Preview (11/11/21)

The Baltimore Ravens knew that life in the AFC North wasn’t going to be easy this year, but they certainly didn’t expect it to be this much of a four-team race. Every single team in the division has a winning record right now, and it’s looking like the battle for top dog in the North could go down to the wire. However, the Ravens showed once again on Sunday that they simply can’t be kept down. The team raced back to form with a major 34-31 overtime win over the Minnesota Vikings thanks to Justin Tucker’s leg. Now, the Ravens have a short week as they prepare for the second half of the season. 

The Miami Dolphins also got a win on Sunday, but things aren’t quite as bright in sunny Florida. Miami is still 2-7 and far behind the rest of the AFC East division as they attempt to salvage what seemed to be a promising season. Miami hosted the Houston Texans on Sunday and cruised to a 17-9 win with Jacoby Brissett under center in place of the injured Tua Tagovailoa. With Miami hosting the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football, let’s take a look at what you should expect.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Betting Odds

The interesting thing about betting the Baltimore Ravens is just how close they seem to keep their games. The team is just 3-5 against the spread, with very close wins against the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings along the way. But they don’t always play down to the competition, as seen with dominant multi-score wins over the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers. Personally, I believe the team will fire on all cylinders this Thursday night. Meanwhile, with the inability to run the ball or make stops, I just can’t see Miami being competitive against a team like the Ravens. 

I see the Ravens starting this game off by picking on the weak Miami secondary, racking up some big points in the first half and bleeding the clock in the second. Meanwhile, despite an uncertain quarterback situation, Miami will likely take some strikes as the game goes on and perhaps have a few garbage time drives. Despite Baltimore’s subpar ATS record, I’m laying the points with them this week in a matchup that should see a surprising amount of points. 

My predictions: Ravens win 35-24, Ravens -7.5, over 46.5 points

TV Schedule

Date: Thursday, November 11
Time: 8:20 PM ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium – Miami Gardens, FL
TV Coverage: FOX

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Live Stream

Where can you watch Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins online? You can stream this game, and many other NFL games live online with Hulu. Hulu has a 7 Day free trial and is cheaper than cable options at $5.99/month. Watch Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Free Online Now.

Injuries

Baltimore Ravens: TE Nick Boyle (knee) Q, WR Sammy Watkins (thigh) Q, RB Latavius Murray (ankle), DT Brandon Williams (shoulder) Q, G Patrick Mekari (ankle) Q, CB Tavon Young (knee) Q, G Ben Cleveland (knee) IR, S DeShon Elliott (pectoral/biceps) IR, Derek Wolfe (back) IR, CB Chris Westry (knee) IR

Miami Dolphins: QB Tua Tagovailoa (finger) Q, WR William Fuller V (finger) IR, S Brandon Jones (ankle) Q, LB Jerome Baker (knee) Q, S Elijah Campbell (toe) Q, G Greg Mancz (ankle) Q, WR Devante Parker (shoulder/hamstring) IR

Baltimore Ravens Analysis

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson does it all. The 2019 NFL MVP is averaging 351.1 yards through the air per game to go with 13 TDs. He’s also the team’s leading rusher by far, totaling 600 yards and a 6.2 average this season. He’s capable of mistakes, such as his two picks last week against Minnesota but when he gets rolling, he’s extremely dangerous. With Jackson facing one of the worst defenses in the league this week, he’s capable of another big performance. 

Jackson’s top two receivers have been on a warpath this season. WR Marquise Brown has 682 yards and six touchdowns thus far to go with a 14.8 average. Meanwhile, tight end Mark Andrews has hauled in 42 catches for 560 yards and three scores. As long as Jackson, Brown, and Andrews are on the field, opposing defenses should be sweating. 

And speaking of defense, that’s suddenly become a weak spot for the Baltimore Ravens. What was once the team’s strong spot is now ranked 23rd in the league, allowing 374.3 yards per game. I knew that injury woes, such as the loss of CB Marcus Peters, would hold the team back, but I still expected more from this unit. The Ravens are only better than one team in the league in terms of pass defense, allowing 282.5 yards per game. If they want to make it far into the postseason, that’s simply not going to do it.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart

QB: Lamar Jackson
RB1: Devonta Freeman
RB2: Le’Veon Bell
WR1: Marquse Brown
WR2: Devin Duvernay
WR3: Rashod Bateman 
TE1: Mark Andrews

Miami Dolphins Analysis

Tua Tagoviloa. Jacoby Brissett. Does it matter that much who starts? Both QBs have won one game for the Dolphins, although neither has looked spectacular thus far. In fact, both have nearly identical stats through nine games. Tagovailoa is reportedly a game-time decision at the moment, so time will tell who will be under center this Thursday night. All I’m going to say is, if I’m a Miami fan, I’m not extremely excited either way. 

With neither QB showing much so far, this team desperately needs to get a running game going. The Fins are dead last in the league in rushing offense, with a mere 75.1 yards per game. Leading rusher Myles Gaskin is only responsible for 34.8 yards per game, with just 313 yards this season. While they might have to wait another offseason to put together a decent rushing attack, the team has some fairly quality receivers at the very least. Tight end Mike Gesicki and rookie WR Jaylen Waddle are both productive targets, combining for 1,025 yards and five TDs. 

As harsh as I am on this offense, the defense deserves much of the blame. Miami is currently allowing 391.9 yards per game, good enough for 30th in the league. The team has allowed 30 or more points four separate times this season, and is averaging 26.9 per game. On the bright side, the team finally got some turnovers on Sunday, picking off opposing QB Tyrod Taylor three times. However, when they’re facing stingier competition like we’re going to see with the Ravens, they’re going to need a lot more.

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart

QB: Jacoby Brissett
RB1: Myles Gaskin
RB2: Salvon Ahmed
WR1: Jaylen Waddle
WR2: Mack Hollins
WR3: Isaiah Ford
TE1: Mike Gesicki

Baltimore Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins Daily Fantasy Picks

I know I’ve spent most of this article a bit down on the Dolphins, but at least one player has an opportunity for a stellar game. Miami WR Jaylen Waddle is facing one of the weakest secondaries in the league, and the Fins are likely to be playing behind for the majority of this primetime game. I’m rolling with Waddle this week, who is listed at $5,500 on DraftKings.