Dolphins (1-4) vs. Chargers (3-2), Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS
Latest line: Chargers are favored by 3 1/2 points
Dave Hyde, Sports Columnist (Season record: 2-3): Dolphins 20, Chargers 17
The Dolphins haven’t shown much to expect a win over the favored Chargers. But the injury-ravaged Chargers are without their two franchise tackles, their top two running backs and have lost two straight. And at home at 1 p.m. I’ll take the leap of hope. Jim Harbaugh would love to pound the ball on the Dolphins, but he doesn’t have a healthy offensive line. The Dolphins pass rush will have its chances as quarterback Justin Herbert has been under immense pressure.
Chris Perkins, Dolphins Columnist (Season record: 2-3): Chargers 28, Dolphins 20
Scoring three touchdowns in a game without Tyreek Hill will be a challenge for the Dolphins the rest of the season. And the league-worst run defense is a complicating factor that’s tough to overcome. Also, the Dolphins blew a 17-0 lead to the Panthers and had numerous miscues such as penalties, missed tackles and dropped passes. The miscues are a pattern that’s haunted the Dolphins for most of their first five games.
David Furones, Dolphins Writer (Season record: 2-3): Dolphins 24, Chargers 23
Since the 1981 AFC divisional playoff game, the Dolphins have won nine of 10 home meetings against the Chargers. The one Chargers win in that span came against the talentless tanking 2019 team — before Brian Flores started winning games late that season. I may be shooting myself in the foot stubbornly trusting this team, but the Chargers have problems of their own off back-to-back losses, including one to the lowly Giants. Los Angeles, down its top two running backs and with a depleted offensive line, travels across the country for a 10 a.m. kickoff on their time. This is one where the Dolphins sneak a win as home underdogs.
Kathy Laughlin, Sports Editor (Season record: 3-2): Dolphins 17, Chargers 13
The Dolphins are at home and eager to put an embarrassing loss at Carolina behind them. The Chargers’ offensive line is hurting, and QB Justin Herbert has four interceptions in five games. The struggling Miami defense should be able to capitalize. Usually the 3-2 team is going to beat the 1-4 team, but the timing and location work in the Dolphins’ favor.
Keven Lerner, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 4-1): Chargers 23, Dolphins 20
The Chargers’ fast start has turned quickly. After opening 3-0, they have dropped two in a row and have looked undisciplined with 24 penalties in their last two games. Also, injuries along the offensive line have led to Justin Herbert being sacked 16 times, second most in the NFL. The Dolphins are hoping to save Mike McDaniel’s job. The Chargers, who have the unenviable task of playing an early game (for them) after traveling across country, are still the better team.
Steve Svekis, Assistant Sports Editor (Season record: 1-4): Dolphins 20, Chargers 17
The Chargers are ravaged with injuries, with numerous starting offensive linemen, star pass rusher Khalil Mack and promising rookie running back Omarion Hampton leading the way. That said, the Dolphins defense has allowed a franchise-record-tying 871 rushing yards in the first five games (174.8 yards per game) at a franchise-worst 5.6-yards-per-run clip. If the Dolphins can’t register at least four sacks in this game, it may not happen in 2025.
