TNF: Dolphins vs. Jaguars odds, picks & predictions (Sept. 24)

The Miami Dolphins search for their first win of the 2020 NFL season when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday Night Football.

Miami comes in as a 2.5-point underdog, one week after it nearly upset the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium.

A 36-minute lightning delay seemingly helped Miami find a jolt of energy, as the offense scored 10 straight points in the third quarter to go up 20-17.

The Bills responded with a touchdown pass by Josh Allen to rookie Gabriel Davis with six minutes remaining, then scored again less than three minutes later on a 46-yard pass to John Brown.

The Dolphins walked away with a 31-28 defeat against a Buffalo team ranked first in passing yardage (359.5) and fifth in total yardage surrendered. Miami's defense hurt its cause, as it allowed Buffalo to go 2-of-2 from the red zone and 5-of-10 on third down.

The offense, on the other hand, showed improvement compared to Week 1. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 328 yards and two scores without turning the ball over.

In the season opener, he got picked off three times by the New England Patriots, threw for 191 yards and failed to score.

Dolphins run game must find spark

As for the Dolphins’ rushing attack, the unit can’t seem to get going. In New England, Myles Gaskin ran for 40 of Miami’s 87 rushing yards. Against the Bills, Gaskin compiled 46 yards on the ground, while Matt Breida added 37 yards, Fitzpatrick ran for 12, and Jordan Howard pulled out four yards on five carries.

The Jaguars rank 10th against the run (105.5 yards per game), so the Dolphins' run unit shouldn't play much of a factor.

Miami's passing offense will see far more success. Jacksonville has given up 294.0 yards through the air across two games, good for third worst in the league.

The Jags let Philip Rivers pass for 363 yards and one touchdown in Week 1, while Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill completed 18-of-24 passes for 239 yards and four touchdowns the following week.

Fitzpatrick should be able to carve up Jacksonville's defense and keep the game close. Nonetheless, the Jags have the upper hand with the amount of injuries to Miami's defense.

Miami vs. Jacksonville injury report

Dolphins linebacker Shaq Lawson is questionable with a knee injury, while Byron Jones missed practice on Monday because of a groin issue. Cornerback Xavien Howard and safety Clayton Fejedelem were also limited in practice.

The Jags also could be without key players. Top receiver DJ Chark (109 yards, one TD) was limited in practice with a chest injury, while center Brandon Linder (knee) is questionable for Thursday.

Even without Chark, Jacksonville should be able to get the job done with running back James Robinson going up against Miami's porous run defense. Robinson, an undrafted rookie, rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee last week.

Dolphins vs. Jags betting trends

The Dolphins are 7-15 against the spread in their last 22 road games and 0-4 ATS in their past four Thursday games. The Jaguars are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall.

The Over/Under for Thursday's game is set at 48. In the last seven games between Jacksonville and Miami, the Under has hit six times.

However, considering Jacksonville's weakness against the pass and Miami's weakness as a whole on defense, this game should see quite a bit of scoring.

The Jaguars will come out on top at home, but not without a fight from Fitzpatrick and the Dolphins.

Score prediction: Jaguars 30, Dolphins 24

Pick: Jaguars -2.5, Over 48

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