PLAYER NOTES
–WR DeVante Parker has yet to make his 2018 debut due to a finger injury. Parker, Miami’s first-round pick in 2015, has seen his stock as a receiver drop due to injuries and a lack of production relative to his draft status.
–S Reshad Jones, who did not practice on Wednesday due to a shoulder injury, is key to Miami’s defense.
GAME PLAN: When the Dolphins have the ball, head coach and play-caller Adam Gase has so far spread it around. Speedy Kenyan Drake and veteran Frank Gore are a solid 1-2 punch at running back, and Kenny Stills, Albert Wilson and Jakeem Grant have been quarterback Ryan Tannehill’s favorite targets in the passing game.
When the Raiders have the ball, quarterback Derek Carr will look to get the ball to wide receiver Amari Cooper, tight end Jared Cook and running back Marshawn Lynch. The Raiders, who have been outscored 43-7 in the second half this season, will be looking to finish for the first time this year.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Raiders TE Jared Cook vs. Dolphins FS T.J. McDonald. They were teammates on the Rams from 2013 to 2015, and now they are set to battle. Cook started all 16 games last season while catching a career-high 54 passes. This year, he has been even better, making 13 grabs for 229 yards, the latter figure leading all NFL tight ends. McDonald is a big safety who had an interception last week.
–Raiders DE Bruce Irvin vs. Dolphins RT Ja’Wuan James. Both players are former first-round picks. Irvin had a season-high eight sacks last year and has one so far this season. The Dolphins gave up four sacks last week, but the problem came from leaks at center and guard. James has been very solid so far.
