The Baltimore Ravens’ offensive prowess has been in the spotlight ever since Lamar Jackson received a sizable contract extension, helped along by the formidable presence of running back Raheem Mostert. Despite already securing a playoff berth, the team is now setting its sights on clinching the coveted championship.
However, with only two games remaining in the season and the Dolphins on the brink of realizing their long-awaited dream, the team is currently contending with uncertainties regarding the game designation of their star running back in the upcoming week.
Is Raheem Mostert going to play against the Ravens?
Ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the Dolphins will be without the services of Raheem Mostert. Amid regularly appearing on the injury report throughout the season, this will mark the first game Mostert has missed in the current campaign.
The running back is grappling with knee and ankle injuries, leading to his absence from practice on Wednesday and Thursday. Although he was limited in Friday’s session, the Dolphins have made the strategic decision to sideline him for this crucial game.
With the Dolphins already securing a playoff spot, the cautious approach not to jeopardize Mostert’s health further is understandable. Mostert boasts an impressive 21 total touchdowns this season, making him a vital asset for the team. Resting him in Week 17 positions him favorably for the playoff journey that lies ahead.
His absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the team’s offensive production, especially since wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is also ruled out due to an ankle injury. Mostert’s contributions, including a team-high 1,012 rushing yards and franchise records in rushing and scrimmage touchdowns, will be challenging to replicate, per Phinsider.
It’s worth noting that Mostert played a season-low 19 offensive snaps in the previous week’s win over the Cowboys. The decision to limit his playing time was attributed to pain management, indicating the ongoing challenges he faces.
Despite the setback, the Dolphins maintain a next-man-up mentality, relying on a stable of running backs ready to step in. Rookie De’Von Achane, in particular, will shoulder a substantial workload in Mostert’s absence, showcasing the depth and resilience of Miami’s running back corps.
Dolphins vs Ravens match preview
The 11-4 Miami Dolphins are gearing up to face the 12-3 Baltimore Ravens in a critical matchup during the 2023 NFL Week 17 on Sunday, December 31, at 1 p.m. ET. The outcome of this game holds significant implications for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning.
The Dolphins find themselves in a situation where they must secure victories in their last two regular-season games to clinch the coveted AFC No. 1 seed. While the Ravens currently sit atop the AFC with a record of 12-3, the Dolphins are nipping at their heels, just one game behind at 11-4.
The Miami team boasts the highest-scoring offense in the NFL, averaging an impressive 30.9 points per game. Their formidable performance on both sides of the ball makes them a formidable opponent for the Ravens. A victory in Baltimore on Sunday could provide the Dolphins with a crucial tiebreaker in the race for a first-round bye.
On the contrary, the Ravens are entering the game on a hot streak, having secured a 33-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Week 16 game, in which Mike Florio was in hot water even garnering criticism from Antonio Brown.
This victory marked their fifth consecutive triumph, showcasing an average margin of victory of 12 points during this impressive stretch. Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback, played a pivotal role in this success, throwing two touchdowns and accumulating nearly 300 total yards against the 49ers.
Furthermore, the team boasts the league’s top rushing offense, complemented by a 21st-ranked passing offense. Their scoring offense ranks fourth in the league, with an average of 27.8 points per game.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Ravens are favored by three points. The Dolphins hold a +140 moneyline for a straight-up win, while the Ravens are at -166. The point total for the game is set at a combined 46.5 points, indicating the potential for an exciting and closely contested battle on the gridiron.
Which team do you think will end up owning the AFC title?
