Miami Dolphins vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins are all set to square off this in Week 2 in the StubHub Center. Fans on the west coast surely have this game marked on their calendars, as it will be the Bolts first regular season game as an LA franchise. Needless to say, there will be a healthy level of excitement from new Chargers fans this weekend.
On the other side of the field, the Dolphins are coming into Los Angeles looking for their first win of the 2017 season. Unlike the other winless teams in the NFL, the Dolphins are looking for win No. 1 due to severe weather from Hurricane Irma, which cancelled their week one game against Tampa Bay.
With both teams looking for their first victory of the year, this matchup between the Chargers and Dolphins will surely be intense. Take a look at both team’s keys to victory on Sunday afternoon.
Chargers Keys to Victory
Stay Committed to Running the Football: Let’s be honest with ourselves here; even though the Chargers made a great comeback against the Denver Broncos in week one, they still were dominated at the line of scrimmage. They were getting beaten off the edges and letting interior pressure up the middle, which gave Philip Rivers zero time to throw and Melvin Gordon without any running lanes.
That being said, they are going up against another rough and physical defensive-line this weekend. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt must resist the urge to turn this into a shootout and give the ball to Gordon 25-30 times this weekend if Los Angeles wants to keep Miami’s pass-rushers in check.
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Stay Committed to Stopping the Run: Not only has Los Angeles struggled to stop the run over since the beginning of the 2017 preseason, but they gave up 140 total rushing yards to C.J. Anderson, Trevor Siemian and Jamaal Charles last weekend. Needless to say, they will be seeing a much more talented back in Jay Ajayi this weekend.
The last thing the Chargers can let happen on Sunday is for Ajayi to go over 100 yards. If they continue missing tackles and not getting to the outside, Miami will beat them. If Miami provided Jay Cutler with a running game, things could get very interesting for the former Chicago Bears franchise quarterback.
Dolphins Keys to Victory:
Protect the Football: If the Dolphins have one thing to pay attention to after watching the film of the Chargers vs. Broncos game on Monday night, it’s that Los Angeles will not quit. The Bolts were down 24-7 in the fourth quarter with Denver in complete control. However, two late turnovers gave the Chargers every opportunity to get back in the football game.
If you didn’t already know, the scariest team to play in football is the team that is extremely resilient. That being said, Miami must not give Los Angeles opportunities off turnovers on Sunday afternoon or it could cost them their first win of 2017.
Dominate the Line of Scrimmage: It’s as simple as this — whoever wins the line of scrimmage battle on Sunday afternoon will win this football game. Even though the Chargers offensive line struggled in Denver on Monday night, I believe they have the edge going into week two since Miami has yet to play a regular season game.
That said, I am more confident in the Dolphins ability to control the line of scrimmage than Los Angeles this weekend. If Miami can get enough push and create running lanes for Jay Ajayi, Cutler will tear the Chargers up through the air. Game over.
Odds
Point Spread: Los Angeles -2.5
Moneyline: Los Angeles -110, Miami -105
Over/Under: 45
via Sportsbookreview.com
Bear with me here Chargers fans, I still believe that this football team is going to compete for a Wild Card spot by the end of the season. That said, Miami is coming into this Week 2 matchup with fresh legs and confidence after beating the Bolts three out of the last four years. Yes, there have been some roster changes since then, but not enough for Los Angeles to finally overcome their woes against the Dolphins. Again, hang in there Chargers fans, this team is getting better each week, but that doesn’t always equals a win.
Next: NFL: 5 Teams on upset alert in Week 2
Miami wins this one on a defensive stand late in the fourth quarter, sending Los Angeles to their second-straight loss.
Pick: Miami Dolphins: 27, Los Angeles Chargers: 24