Both Phins AND Ravens MUST win to save their season
The Dolphins enter Week 9 with a sense of urgency and a glimpse of promise after their surprising 34-10 road triumph over the Atlanta Falcons. Now comes the spotlight: a primetime clash against the Ravens under the bright lights at home. With a 2-6 record, Miami knows this game isn’t just another week—it’s a statement opportunity.
Can the Phins shock the NFL for two weeks in a row and keep their season on life-support?
Key Storylines for Miami
The win in Atlanta broke a three-game skid and infused the locker room with a measure of confidence. For the Dolphins, that breakthrough matters, both mentally and for their identity. This week they are home, where Miami has been inconsistent going 1-2 in home contests thus far. You can bet with the best pay per head that the Phins must balance that ledger tonight to save the season.
But while they have a chance to flip that narrative on a national stage, McDaniel has struggled in Prime Time and in clutch moments. Adding to the problem, Baltimore is expected to have Lamar Jackson back in the lineup after a hamstring injury, meaning Miami’s defense must be sharp. Jackson’s return reloads the Ravens’ offense, and the Dolphins must respond accordingly.
Given what we’ve seen most of this season by the defense, this isn’t a good matchup.
But maybe Weaver and the Dolphins defensive players found something last week. The Phins suffocated the Falcons offense last week, can they do it again this week against Lamar and the Ravens?
It won’t be an easy win, Lamar a much more dangerous and talented quarterback than Cousins.
Where Miami Must Make an Impact
The Dolphins must sustain their improved rhythm from last week. The run game showed signs of life, and if Miami can keep defenses honest with both ground and air attacks, they’ll be in a better position to control tempo and stay ahead of the sticks. They have to attack the inside in the run game, speed the game along to keep Lamar off the field, and rest their defense. If McDaniel falls back to running at the edge and throwing the football, it will likely not be pretty.
The good news is this Ravens defense has been poor all season they rank 23rd verse the run and 28th vs the pass. Statistically the Falcons defense was much better and the Phins ran up and down the field on them with both the pass and run game. Tua and the Dolphins offense must lead the way tonight just like they did against the Falcons if they want to notch a win.
Final Thoughts
The Dolphins are not favored—Baltimore enters as about a 7.5-point favorite, and the over/under sits near 50.5 points, suggesting offensive fireworks potential. But Miami has something to prove. At home, under the lights, with their backs to the wall—they have the chance to make a statement.
If they lean into their strengths, sustain the drive they found in Atlanta, and tighten up the areas they’ve struggled with, the Dolphins can come out of Thursday night not just with a win—but with hope.
Let’s see what this 2025 team is made of!