On Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, in Las Vegas, during an NFL football game, quarterback Aidan O’Connell (4) of the Las Vegas Raiders attempts to pass against the New York Jets through coverage. (Photo by David Becker for AP
FLORIDA: Miami Gardens This week, the Miami Dolphins, who are ranked first in the AFC East, are back in North America. They will take on the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in an attempt to win a game again.
Even though they hobbled into their bye week after losing to the defending Super Bowl champions in Germany, the Dolphins are undoubtedly rested. Miami’s offense was limited to under 300 yards in the Chiefs’ 21-14 victory, despite the defense stopping Patrick Mahomes and company to only 267 yards. With just 193 yards passing from Tua Tagovailoa, the rushing attack was unable to make up ground. It was just another game that demonstrated the Dolphins’ inability to perform well under pressure. The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills are the two teams the Fins have lost to in their last three games versus teams with a.500 or better record.
The Raiders are still in the running for the playoffs after ten games, despite their poor play and quarterback issues. Las Vegas defeated the New York Giants and Jets, but lost back-to-back games to the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Instead of Jimmy Garoppolo leading the way in both games, Aidan O’Connell did. O’Connell’s pass to Michael Mayer in the fourth quarter of last Sunday’s game against the Jets was the only touchdown, as the team won 16–12.
The Raiders are second in the AFC West, 2.5 games behind the Chiefs, but only a half-game behind the Houston Texans for the final playoff spot in the conference after winning four of their last six games.
