Miami Dolphins

Dolphins at Seahawks: Preview, Predictions, and More

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Miami Dolphins vs Seattle Seahawks

The Miami Dolphins start their season with a brutal two-game road stretch. They begin with a cross-country trip to one of the toughest places to play, Seattle. With a rookie head coach, a new defensive coordinator, and rookies at some key positions, how will the young Dolphins handle a tough test straight out of the box against the Seattle Seahawks?

Meanwhile, the Seahawks look to start their season on a high note against a team that most would consider an inferior opponent in the Miami Dolphins. The Seahawks, however, shouldn’t chalk this up as an easy victory. With Thomas Rawls banged up, and rookie Germain Ifedi out for the game, the offense may struggle against a formidable front four.

Miami Dolphins Keys to Victory

1. Keep Ryan Tannehill Upright: It should go without saying that it’s difficult to win many games when your quarterback is flat on his back. That has been the thorn in Miami’s side since drafting Ryan Tannehill. If the Dolphins want to pull the upset, they need their offensive line to come together and keep the pocket clean.

2. Defensive Backs Need to Step Up: If you watched the Dolphins in the preseason, it was readily apparent that the team is not strong in the defensive backfield. Other than perennial standout Reshad Jones, they come in to Seattle with a bunch of untested guys. It’s going to be on newly-acquired Byron Maxwell (a former Seahawk), second-year man Tony Lippett, and rookie Xavien Howard to step up. They’re going to be tested right away with the likes of Tyler Lockett, Jermaine Kearse, and Doug Baldwin.

3. Contain Russell Wilson: I know, it’s easier said than done. But the Dolphins can’t let Wilson eat them alive and expect to walk away with a victory. The Dolphins front four is going to need to find a way to put pressure on Wilson, but do so in a disciplined manner. If you don’t put pressure on Wilson, he’ll sit back and pick you apart. If you’re not disciplined in your pass rush, he’ll use his athleticism to escape and do the same thing. Ndamukong Suh putting pressure up the middle will be key.

Seattle Seahawks Keys to Victory

1. Play Smart: Seattle comes into the game expected to win. Conventional wisdom says they’re a stronger team in nearly every phase of the game than Miami. But, as anyone who follows this game knows, the games aren’t played on paper. Seattle is going to need to play a clean game if they want to emerge victorious. If they commit costly penalties or turn the ball over, anything can happen.

2. Don’t Get Too Cute: Along with playing smart and protecting the ball comes playing within yourselves. Seattle is a team that plays a tougher brand of football, grinding you down as the game goes on. Miami’s run defense was suspect, at best, in the preseason. As long as Seattle sticks with what they do well and don’t try to get too fancy with their game plan, they have a good shot at victory.

3. Protect Russell Wilson: If there’s one area that Miami may have an advantage over the Seahawks, it’s up front. Even before the Ifedi injury, the Dolphins probably have the stronger group up front. The Seahawks are going to need to play a great game and keep the Dolphins pass rush in-check if they want to start the season off on the right foot. If they allow Ndamukong Suh, Cameron Wake, and the rest of the Dolphins to chase Russell Wilson around the field, it’s going to be a long day for their offense.

Odds

Point Spread: Seahawks, -10

Moneyline: Westgate: Seattle -550, Miami +425

Over/Under: 44

Prediction

Seattle is simply the better team in this matchup and ultimately walks out with the victory. Their passing attack proves too much for a porous run defense.

Pick: Seattle Seahawks: 27, Miami Dolphins: 14