Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions: Three Reasons Why
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a tough loss to the New England Patriots, and things won’t get any easier Sunday when they host the Detroit Lions.
At least Miami should have a better weather situation this time around.
Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s at Hard Rock Stadium, with a chance of rain. However, it shouldn’t be the torrential downpour the Dolphins faced against New England.
With that in mind, here are three key things to watch in Sunday’s matchup.
Game Info:
• Game: Detroit Lions (5-2) at Miami Dolphins (1-6) • Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026 — Week 9 • Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET • Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL • Spread: Lions -7 • Over/Under: 50.5
Reason 1: Jared Goff vs. The Dolphins Defense
Detroit enters Sunday’s matchup with the NFL’s top offense, averaging 395.4 yards per game while ranking third in scoring at 29 points per game.
Quarterback Jared Goff is having arguably the best season of his career. He has thrown for 1,964 yards, 15 touchdowns, and just one interception while posting a 110 passer rating.
The Dolphins defense will have its hands full with Goff, but the challenge doesn’t stop there. Miami also must find a way to contain Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who leads the NFL in rushing yards per game at 110.4.
Miami’s defense ranks 17th in the league in total yards allowed (334.1 per game). However, the unit is still giving up an average of 25.9 points per game.
Against one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, the Dolphins will need to slow down both the passing and rushing attacks.
This is also why Tom Brady just named BOTH Goff and Gibbs among his 4 MVP favorites after Week 8. Brady on Goff: “Total command of the offense.” Brady on Gibbs: “150-plus yards last week against the Vikings defense. He takes up like 92% of the rushing yards for Detroit right now. He’s a threat to go the distance on any play.”
If Miami can’t slow at least one of them, it’s a long day.
Reason 2: Can Miami’s Ground Game Get Back On Track?
If the Dolphins hope to pull off an upset, their offense will likely need to lean heavily on Ollie Gordon II, who has stepped up since De’Von Achane suffered a torn ACL in Week 3.
Before last week’s loss to the Patriots, Miami had recorded five consecutive 100-yard rushing performances. Gordon has rushed for 408 yards and four touchdowns through seven games.
Quarterback Malik Willis will also need to contribute on the ground. His ability to scramble, evade pressure, and create plays with his legs could be critical against Detroit.
With Achane sidelined, Miami’s rushing attack has become even more important. If Gordon and Willis can establish a ground game, the Dolphins could give themselves a chance to keep pace with Detroit’s high-powered offense.
This is Miami’s clearest path to an upset: control the clock, keep Goff on the sideline, and don’t ask Willis to win it with his arm alone.
Detroit’s run defense has been vulnerable at times, especially without its leader in the middle. If Miami gets to 150+ rushing yards, this game gets very interesting in the 4th quarter.
Reason 3: Can Miami Exploit Detroit’s Banged-Up Defense?
Detroit ranks last in the NFL in pass defense, allowing 276.6 yards per game. That could present a major opportunity for the Dolphins, particularly with several key Lions defenders sidelined.
Edge rusher DJ Wonnum (concussion), linebacker Jack Campbell (neck), and cornerback D.J. Reed (hip) will all miss Sunday’s game.
With Detroit dealing with injuries in its defense, Miami could have an opportunity to exploit the secondary and generate some much-needed offensive production.
Let’s be real about what that means:
• Jack Campbell — the $81M All-Pro, the heart of the defense, out indefinitely after the scary neck injury vs. Vikings. He released a statement this week: “full movement in my lower body, continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body.” • Jimmy Rolder — rookie 4th-rounder, out for the season after hamstring surgery on the same play. • Kerby Joseph — ruled out vs. Dolphins, even though new practice footage Thursday showed him running full speed, second week of practice. • Brian Branch — limited Wednesday with concussion, full participant Thursday, expected to play, but still coming through protocol.
The Lions patched it with K.J. Britt from the Patriots practice squad to the active roster, Joe Bachie to the active roster, and Owen Pappoe to the practice squad. Ahmed Hassanein could finally debut after missing the season with a pectoral injury.
If Willis can extend plays and attack the middle of the field where Campbell usually lives, Miami has a chance to score more than the 20-19 Detroit gave up to Green Bay and Minnesota the last two weeks.
Bottom Line:
The Dolphins have their work cut out for them against one of the league’s most dangerous teams. But if they can take advantage of Detroit’s defensive injuries, establish the run, and slow down Goff and Gibbs, they could make Sunday’s matchup far more competitive than expected.
Lions are 7-point favorites for a reason. But 1-6 teams at home in 80-degree heat, with nothing to lose, are dangerous — especially when the favorite is playing for an injured teammate and might be looking ahead.
My Take:
Lions win, but Miami covers if Gordon + Willis combine for 150+ on the ground. If Goff gets to 300+ and Gibbs goes over 100 again, it’s over by the 4th.
Mabel Joshua is the founder and lead editor of CelebrityTale.com with 4+ years covering celebrity news, entertainment trends and pop culture. She curates breaking stories with verified sources, focusing on real-time updates from Hollywood, music and lifestyle. When not reporting, she tracks emerging talents and viral moments across social platforms.
