Dolphins vs. 49ers: Who has the sting?

Right here’s a have a look at how the Miami Dolphins (6-8) and San Francisco 49ers (6-8) match up in six key areas forward of Sunday’s Week 16 sport at Exhausting Rock Stadium (4:25 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: Miami’s run sport has been virtually nonexistent for the previous six weeks after a formidable four-game stretch on the bottom. The Dolphins at the moment are right down to the NFL’s No. 26 dashing offense and, on a yards-per-carry foundation, are second-to-last. This for a floor sport that led the league in yards per try final season. De’Von Achane took 12 carries for 41 yards final Sunday within the loss to the Houston Texans, whereas Raheem Mostert had six for 8 yards.

It hurts when the Dolphins are down left sort out Terron Armstead, particularly for an offensive line that already has Austin Jackson out for season and didn’t have his backup at proper sort out, Kendall Lamm, both. With defensive sort out Javon Hargrave on injured reserve, the 49ers aren’t as robust up entrance. However they nonetheless have Nick Bosa setting the sting, plus Fred Warner at linebacker and Dre Greenlaw in his second sport again from his Achilles tear in final 12 months’s Tremendous Bowl alongside him. The 49ers rank fifteenth in opposition to the run. Edge: 49ers

When the 49ers run: It received’t be Christian McCaffrey operating the soccer for San Francisco. It received’t even be his backup, Jordan Mason, as each are on IR for the injury-plagued 49ers. Which means the Dolphins face Isaac Guerendo, assuming he can play by means of hamstring and foot accidents. Whoever San Francisco has at tailback, he runs behind a powerful offensive line that paves the way in which for the NFL’s eighth-ranked dashing offense. Whether or not left sort out Trent Williams can come again from an ankle harm, although, may go a good distance in figuring out the 49ers’ effectiveness on the bottom.

Miami’s run protection can also be ranked eighth and is coming off a sport the place it held the Texans’ Joe Mixon to 23 yards on 12 carries earlier than he left injured. It begins up entrance with Zach Sieler main the line of defense, together with Calais Campbell, and linebacker Jordyn Brooks’ 121 tackles has him on tempo to be the Dolphins’ most prolific tackler in a single season since Zach Thomas. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins cross: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, after a scorching stretch, cooled down in a rush in opposition to the Texans’ mixture of their cross rush and ballhawking secondary. He turned the ball over 4 instances final Sunday, with three interceptions and a misplaced fumble. He should work to guard the soccer in opposition to a 49ers protection that may equally get after the quarterback and pressure turnovers.

All three of his interceptions got here when focusing on star large receiver Tyreek Hill, who’s having his worst season. He’s positive to obtain further defensive consideration from a secondary highlighted by cornerback Charvarius Ward and security Talanoa Hufanga. Particularly if Jaylen Waddle can’t play reverse him because of his knee harm. Possibly extra balls go the way in which of tight finish Jonnu Smith and rookie slot receiver Malik Washington.

Bosa and Leonard Floyd on the sides can have Miami tackles with their palms full, particularly if it’s rookie Patrick Paul once more taking part in for Armstead or if Lamm can’t play on the suitable facet. Former follow squad lineman Jackson Carman struggled and gave up two sacks — one for a expensive strip-sack — in Houston. Tagovailoa might be underneath duress and compelled to make fast selections. Edge: 49ers