2023 Dolphins vs Ravens: AFC Championship Game Preview

The Week 17 matchup between the Miami Dolphins (11-4) and the Baltimore Ravens (12-3) is not just a regular-season game. It has the potential to be a sneak peek of the AFC Championship Game. Both teams have been playing exceptional football and are considered strong contenders for the Super Bowl. In this article, we will dive deep into the odds, betting lines, and expert predictions for this highly anticipated matchup.

Game Information

Date: Sunday, December 31, 2023
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland
TV:CBS

Betting Lines and Odds

The Baltimore Ravens enter the game as favorites, with a spread of -3 points. This means that they are expected to win by at least a field goal. The over/under for the game has been set at 47 points. Let’s take a closer look at the betting lines:

• Spread: Baltimore Ravens (-3) vs Miami Dolphins (+3)
• Moneyline: Baltimore Ravens (-164) vs Miami Dolphins (+144)
• Over/Under: 47 points
• See the best bets in our comparator

Expert Predictions

USA TODAY Experts

• Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 24, Dolphins 21
• Tyler Dragon: Ravens 27, Dolphins 24
• Safid Deen: Dolphins 27, Ravens 23
• Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 28, Dolphins 23
• Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 27, Dolphins 24

Analyzing the Predictions

The experts are divided in their predictions for this game. Lorenzo Reyes and Tyler Dragon believe that the Ravens will come out on top, with close scores of 24-21 and 27-24, respectively. Safid Deen, on the other hand, has faith in the Dolphins, predicting a 27-23 victory for Miami. Victoria Hernandez and Jordan Mendoza also lean towards the Ravens, with scores of 28-23 and 27-24 in favor of Baltimore. See our predictions

Team Analysis

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have been on a roll, winning their last five games. Led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, the Ravens boast the league’s top-ranked running game, accumulating an average of 159.7 rushing yards per game. Jackson has been a dual-threat, throwing for 3,357 yards and rushing for 786 yards this season. The Ravens’ defense has also been impressive, allowing the fewest points per game in the league at 16.3.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have also been in excellent form, winning five of their last six games. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been the driving force behind the Dolphins’ success, passing for 4,214 yards and 26 touchdowns this season. The Dolphins’ offense ranks first in both points scored (30.9 per game) and passing yards (4,126). However, their defense has been slightly more vulnerable, allowing an average of 20.9 points per game.

Head-to-Head Matchups

In their past five meetings, the Ravens have emerged victorious three times. Miami has struggled against Baltimore, being outscored by 115 points in those five matchups. The last time these teams met at M&T Bank Stadium was on November 11, 2021, when the Ravens secured a 22-10 victory over the Dolphins.

Key Players to Watch

Baltimore Ravens

• Lamar Jackson has been the heartbeat of the Ravens’ offense, with over 3,000 passing yards and 19 passing touchdowns, along with 786 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
• Gus Edwards, the Ravens’ leading rusher, has amassed 694 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
• Zay Flowers has been a reliable target for Jackson, recording 752 receiving yards and 74 catches this season.

Miami Dolphins

• Tua Tagovailoa has been impressive under center, leading the league in passing yards with 4,214 and throwing 26 touchdowns.
• Raheem Mostert has been a force in the running game, accumulating 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground.
• Tyreek Hill has been a dominant force at wide receiver, leading the league with 1,641 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.

Game Analysis and Prediction

This game has all the makings of a highly competitive matchup. The Ravens have the edge on defense, boasting the league’s best scoring defense and a strong run defense. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have a potent offense that leads the league in points scored and passing yards. However, the Dolphins have struggled against winning teams this season, with losses to the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles.

Based on their recent performance and home-field advantage, the Ravens are the favorites to win this game. The experts’ predictions also lean towards a Ravens victory. I predict a final score of Baltimore 28, Miami 20.

Betting Picks

• Against the Spread (ATS): Pick Baltimore (-3)
• Over/Under (O/U): Pick Over 47 points

Conclusion

The Dolphins vs Ravens Week 17 matchup is a highly anticipated game that could potentially be a preview of the AFC Championship Game. Both teams have been playing exceptional football, and the outcome of this game could have significant implications for their playoff positioning. The Ravens enter the game as favorites, but the Dolphins’ explosive offense could make it a close contest. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be a thrilling battle between two strong AFC contenders.