The Miami Dolphins are facing the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, Nov. 16. at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.
Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel will lean on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane, who all starred in Miami’s stunning upset of the Buffalo Bills.
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn has taken over defensive play-calling this week. Quinn will lean on quarterback Marcus Mariota, who like Tagovailoa was born in Hawaii. The Commanders will be without injured Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin.
Watch Dolphins-Commanders from Spain on Fubo
The Dolphins and Commanders are both 3-7.
Three matchups to watch in Dolphins vs. Commanders
Dolphins RT Larry Borom or Austin Jackson vs. Commanders edge rusher Von Miller
Austin Jackson returned to practice this week after missing the last nine games with a toe injury. The Dolphins miss his solid play at right tackle. If Jackson were to return against the Commanders, it’s unclear how sharp he might be. Miami could consider having Jackson return to on-field action after a bye that follows this game in Madrid, Spain. Borom is Pro Football Focus’ 65th-graded guard in 2025, but he has not been a total disaster. They say he’s allowed two sacks and 15 pressures, which is decent, but that he’s been poor in run blocking. Von Miller is 36 years old but he does have four sacks in 10 games, and at least a half sack in five games.
Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb vs. Commanders OT Laremy Tunsil
The Dolphins traded Tunsil to Houston in 2019 for two first-round picks and a second-round pick. Miami ended up signing Terron Armstead to play left tackle and he was good, when healthy. Tunsil was moved to Washington in 2025 for much less. Tunsil, 31, has cut back on penalties and continued to be a dominant pass blocker. Chubb, 29, has five sacks and 11 quarterback hits and was excellent in the upset of Buffalo. He’ll play opposite veteran Matt Judon and Chop Robinson, expected to return from concussion.
Dolphins DB Minkah Fitzpatrick vs. Commanders WR Deebo Samuel
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is very familiar with Deebo Samuel, having coached him in San Francisco. The Dolphins could use Fitzpatrick a nickel corner, defending Samuel in the slot. Or they could use Jack Jones there and use JuJu Brents opposite Rasul Douglas, if he’s cleared to play. Miami could also use rookie Jason Marshall, Jr. inside or outside. Minkah was impactful vs. the Bills. Deebo, now 29, has not been quite as good in the past two seasons, but can still be dangerous. He should also get plenty of targets with Terry McLaurin out.
Joe Schad’s Dolphins vs. Commanders Prediction
Dolphins 28, Commanders 17: This is a must-win to keep intrigue alive.. Tua Tagovailoa should out-duel Marcus Mariota. Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane should shine on the national stage. Washington is depleted by injury and suspension. Dan Quinn has taken over Washington defensive play-calling but Miami has a real edge. They should move ball consistently and improve to 4-7.
How to watch Dolphins vs. Commanders in Spain
The Dolphins will face the Commanders at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 16, on NFL Network. Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma and Jamie Erdahl are on the call.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins vs. Washington Commanders, 3 most important matchups, prediction
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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