AFC teams coming off significant victories are set to kick off NFL Week 9, with the Miami Dolphins taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Thursday Night Football. Baltimore (2-5) broke a four-game losing streak by defeating Chicago 30-16 on Sunday, while Miami (2-6) secured its first win in four games against Atlanta, clinching a strong 34-10 victory in Week 8. Both teams are currently third in their divisions, with the Ravens holding a 9-3 advantage in their last 12 meetings against the Dolphins. Lamar Jackson (hamstring) is anticipated to return after missing several games since Week 4.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. In their last meeting, Baltimore triumphed with a score of 56-19 in 2023. The current betting odds favor Baltimore by 7.5 points, and the total over/under is set at 50 points. Before making any picks regarding the Ravens vs. Dolphins, be sure to check what the SportsLine projection model recommends.
Why the Ravens Can Cover
The Ravens, considered preseason Super Bowl contenders, displayed their potential in a decisive two-touchdown victory against the Bears, a team on a four-game winning streak. They played without turnovers, amassed 177 rushing yards with two touchdowns, and held the Bears to just 16 points—their best defensive performance this season. Baltimore achieved a defensive milestone, preventing any passing touchdowns for the first time this year, highlighted by only allowing 96 rushing yards.
Despite Lamar Jackson’s absence from numerous offensive plays this season, Baltimore maintains the second-best yards per rush average (5.3). Derrick Henry achieved his fifth all-time rushing touchdown against the Bears, surpassing legend Walter Payton. He is expected to find more room against Miami, which ranks fourth for most rushing yards allowed per carry. Miami’s pass defense is likewise vulnerable, allowing the highest completion percentage and the least interceptions, coupled with the second-highest passer rating against.
Why the Dolphins Can Cover
Despite boasting a 2-4 record across their last six games, the Dolphins have fared well against the spread, showing a 4-2 performance. They recently enjoyed their strongest performance on both ends—capping off the week with a season-high of 34 points scored and a season-low of 10 points allowed in their victory over Atlanta. The Dolphins have key players stepping up in the absence of Tyreek Hill: De’Von Achane has exceeded 91 scrimmage yards or scored at least once in nine consecutive games, while Jaylen Waddle has amassed over 95 receiving yards in three of his last four outings.
These skill players could exploit a Ravens defense that has struggled, ranking among the poorest in points and yards allowed while being increasingly challenged on third downs. Only one team has yielded more rushing touchdowns, and Baltimore allows opponents to score in 52.7% of their possessions, a staggering league-high.
How to Make Ravens vs. Dolphins Picks
For the Thursday Night Football matchup of Dolphins vs Ravens during Week 9, the model forecasts an Over outcome, projecting a total of 61 points. It also highlights that one side of the spread hits above 50% of the time. To learn which predictions are backed by strong statistics, visit SportsLine.
Who will secure the win in Ravens vs. Dolphins, and which side of the spread offers a 50% success rate in simulations? Check out SportsLine now for sophisticated insights, from the model that boasts a 43-28 record on top-rated picks since 2024, and find out.
