Dolphins (6-3) vs. Raiders (5-5), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS, Hard Rock Stadium
Latest line: Dolphins are favored by 12 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record 6-3): Dolphins 33, Raiders 17
A bye week to rest. A backup quarterback to play against. And a Raiders team that already got the short-term boost that the firing on an unpopular coach can bring with two straight wins. The Dolphins, 12-point favorites, can start a stretch of easier games in good style. The Raiders are just 1-4 on the road.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record 5-4): Dolphins 34, Raiders 17
The run game should be featured because of rookie running back De’Von Achane’s expected return, and look for the defense to continue its ascent now that many of the key players are healthy. This figures to be another comfortable home victory for the heavily favored Dolphins.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record 7-2): Dolphins 31, Raiders 16
Las Vegas appears to have been rejuvenated under interim coach Antonio Pierce after the firing of Josh McDaniels. But one thing is edging the Giants and Jets. It’s another to come down to Miami Gardens, where the Dolphins are 4-0 this season and have won 16 of their last 18. The Dolphins are refreshed coming off the bye week and win a game they should.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record 7-2): Dolphins 38, Raiders 20
The 6-3 Dolphins are rested, determined and playing at home, where they have not lost this season. The 5-5 Raiders have one road win this season, and that was by one point against the 4-5 Broncos. The Dolphins’ only danger here is overconfidence.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record 8-1): Dolphins 30, Raiders 17
The Raiders have found new life under interim coach Antonio Pierce, who took over for the fired Josh McDaniels three weeks ago. Pierce’s commitment to the running game has paid dividends. Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing last season, has thrived as of late as Las Vegas improved to 2-0 with Pierce at the helm. But both of those wins came at home and were against the woeful Jets and Giants. The true test of how good the Raiders really are will come against the AFC-East leading Dolphins.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record 5-4): Dolphins 27, Raiders 10
A rejuvenated 5-5 Las Vegas team plays its first road game under new coach Antonio Pierce. While the Raiders have multiple All-Pro players in Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams, the Dolphins defense will likely tee off on rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who will be making his fourth NFL start. The Silver and Black are vulnerable against the run, having averaged allowing 156.5 rushing yards per game over Vegas’ past four contests.
