The Thursday night NFL matchup for Week 3 will feature the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars. Kickoff is at 8:20 PM Eastern. The Jaguars are coming into this one as the three-point favorites. Jacksonville’s moneyline is -160, and Miami’s is +140. The over/under is set at 48 points.
The Dolphins have started the season 0-2 and will look for their first win while on the road. The Jaguars have split their first two games this season, sitting at 1-1.
Veteran Fitzpatrick Leads Dolphins
In his 16th NFL Season, Ryan Fitzpatrick is back under center for the Dolphins. He leads this team as 2020 first-round draft pick Tua Tagovailoa sits in the shadows, waiting for his chance to become the starting quarterback.
For now, the team leans on their bearded, grizzled veteran. Fitzpatrick has thrown for 519 yards in the two games this season, including two touchdown passes and three interceptions.
In Week 1, the Dolphins faced division rival the New England Patriots. Miami struggled to move the ball, and the Patriots won 21-11. The Dolphins offense looked better in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills but lost 31-28 in a heartbreaker.
It seems that the Dolphins will be battling the New York Jets to avoid the race to the bottom of the AFC East. The Bills and Patriots are likely to stay ahead in the standings for the entire year.
Some of the only positive numbers on their roster come from tight end Mike Gesicki. He has caught 11 passes this season, accumulating 160 yards and a touchdown.
Minshew Mania
The Jaguars lost their last game against the Titans by a field goal hit by Titans kicker Stephen Gostkowski with just under two minutes left in the game. They lost that game 33-30.
Week 1 had a better outcome, as Jacksonville was able to beat the Indianapolis Colts in their home opener 27-20.
Much of their success is due to Gardner Minshew’s play at quarterback. He has thrown for 512 yards in two games, adding six touchdown passes and only two interceptions.
“I enjoy his playing style. It looks like he’s out there having fun,” said opposing quarterback Fitzpatrick. “It’s not easy to play quarterback in this league. It’s not easy to play as a young quarterback. He’s already had a lot of success.”
The Jaguars also have an advantage in the running game. James Robinson has 32 carries for 164 yards and one touchdown, outdoing the efforts of the Dolphins leading rusher Myles Gaskin.
Prediction
Leading up to the game, both quarterbacks have exchanged friendly banter about their choice in facial hair – Fitzpatrick’s beard vs. Minshew’s mustache. Through two games, the young QB in Jacksonville is playing better on the field. I like for Minshew and the Jaguars to continue their success and win two in a row. I will also take them to cover the three-point spread.
With that in mind, I believe these two will come out and have an offensive battle. Neither Miami nor Jacksonville has a great defense, and in a short week, the offenses have the advantage. I will also be taking the over on Thursday night.