Dolphins (3-7) vs. Commanders (3-7), Madrid, Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NFL Network, CBS Miami
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 2 1/2 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 2-8): Dolphins 33, Commanders 20
The perfect opponent comes at a perfect time if the Dolphins want to come out of this season respectable. Washington still has the talent to be a good team, but has lost five straight, lost its super star quarterback Jayden Daniels and has the oldest roster in the league. Each of the Commanders’ last four losses were by at least 21 points. Should be a fiesta in Madrid.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 5-5): Dolphins 24, Commanders 20
Let’s build off the momentum from last week. And considering the Commanders won’t have QB Jayden Daniels (elbow), WR Terry McLaurin (quad) or DT Daron Payne (suspension), this should be a victory for the Dolphins. It probably won’t be an easy win, but it should be a win. After facing Washington (3-7) and then getting a bye, the Dolphins play the Saints (2-8) and Jets (2-7).
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 3-7): Dolphins 24, Commanders 16
This defense looks good after shutting down the Bills’ high-powered offense, and Washington will be without Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin, while veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota starts. I like Miami to make the most out of this trip overseas and build on the momentum of that win against Buffalo before it goes into the bye week.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 4-6): Commanders 24, Dolphins 21
The Dolphins looked amazing in taking down the mighty Bills last week. The banged-up Commanders should be beatable for Miami, but this Dolphins season makes no sense. Do you have faith the Dolphins can do that two weeks in a row?
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 7-3): Dolphins 24, Commanders 20
What looked like a compelling game before the season started is decidedly different now. The Commanders went to the NFC Championship Game last year, but is off to a 3-7 start and is in the midst of a five-game losing streak. Star QB Jayden Daniels is out again with an elbow injury and Washington’s defense ranks near the bottom of the NFL in points allowed. The Dolphins regained their confidence after beating Buffalo and should win back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 3-7): Dolphins 31, Commanders 16
Tua Tagovailoa has great memories from the last time he faced off against the Commanders, a 45-15 Tyreek Hill-fest in 2023 where the blazing wideout had 138 of his 153 yards on two touchdown catches. While the Dolphins won’t have Hill in Madrid, Miami’s offense looked fine in Sunday’s walloping of the Bills, with De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle as Tagovailoa’s fleet-footed main targets. The Dolphins, 1-5 in overseas games, look for their first such win in 11 years.