Game by game predictions: Week 2 vs Oakland Raiders

Miami Dolphins record after week one: 0-1

All-time record against: 15-19-1

I like this matchup for the Dolphins, and think it's one of the more pivotal games of the season, even if it is only week two.  Why?  Well I see the Fins coming off a week one loss, for starters, so a win here would do wonders for the the confidence of first year coach/QB duo Joe Philbin and Ryan Tannehill.  Along with that, when was the last time a Miami Dolphins team didn't start out with three straight (or in last years case, seven straight) losses to begin a season, aside from the 2010 campaign?  It's been a while, folks, I've checked.

The last time these two met was actually not too long ago; a 34-14 drubbing by the Dolphins last December at Sun Life Stadium.  The Dolphin defense picked apart the Raider offense, led by Carson Palmer, holding the running game to 46 yards on 14 carries, and while that was an attack that was without Darren Mcfadden, I still expect more of the same in this contest.  Carson Palmer didn't fair much better throughout the day, culminating in an interception by LB Kevin Burnett, who would return it for a TD.  I do expect Palmer to pose more problems this time around for the Dolphin defense, as he's got a full training camp under his belt, but I expect the Dolphin defense to contain him for the most part throughout the day.

On the offensive side, Ryan Tannehill should fair much better in this game, simply because the Raiders posted the 29th ranked defense last year, and 27th against the pass.  The rookie should have all the first game jitters out of the way, and should hopefully see a noticeable difference in the Texans defense (2nd) and the Raiders defense (29th).  On the ground, the Fins had one of their best rushing games of the year in 2011 against this Oakland defense, with Reggie Bush and company pounding out 209 yards on 44 carries.  Although I don't expect to see quite those numbers this time around, if anything just due in part to the different offensive scheme, I still wouldn't be surprised to see the Fins put up over 100 yards on the ground.

Overall, I think we're gonna have a good game come week two in Miami.  I expect to see an energized Dolphin team for the years' home opener, and wouldn't be surprised to see the Fins come out strong out of the gate in this one.  Defensively, if they can contain Carson Palmer through the air and turn this into a one dimensional game, then the offense should be able to put up enough points to earn the years first "W."

Final:  Raiders 17 Dolphins 20