The Green Bay Packers face a quick turnaround this week as they prepare to host the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving night.
Miami enters on a three-game win streak, averaging over 30 points per game during that span. With stars like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and rookie sensation Devon Achane surrounding a healthy Tua Tagovailoa, the Dolphins boast one of the NFL’s most versatile offenses.
Meanwhile, the Packers are coming off a complete beatdown of the San Francisco 49ers but are still in third in the NFC North. They have no choice but to keep winning if they hope to catch the Minnesota Vikings and the Detroit Lions.
As far as the Dolphins’ playoff chances, they are still in the hunt as the current eighth seed. A win in primetime on a short week could ignite a late postseason push. Green Bay will try to ensure that doesn’t happen and should be successful if they come out on top of these three key matchups.
Packers LT Rasheed Walker vs. Dolphins edge Chop Robinson
Miami’s pass rush has been among the league’s worst in 2024, but they could have something special in Robinson. The first-round pick out of Penn State has been one of the most productive defensive rookies this season and is coming off a dominant performance against the New England Patriots. Robinson logged a season-high ten pressures and 1.5 sacks in last week’s 34-15 win. Despite surrendering the most pressure on the team, Walker has been super reliable of late. He has allowed only four pressures in the previous four games while not giving up a single sack. Hopefully, Walker can continue to hold down the left spot, facing an exciting rookie in Week 13.
Packers CBs vs. Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle
The last time the Packers faced the Dolphins, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle torched Green Bay for 246 receiving yards and a touchdown. Back then, the Packers had Jaire Alexander and Rasul Douglas anchoring their secondary. This time, Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine will shoulder the responsibility, with Alexander likely out for another game due to injury and Douglas now traded to Buffalo. Nixon has adapted well to his mid-season move to outside corner, but containing Miami’s dynamic duo will be his toughest assignment yet. Valentine, who made his first start of the season last week, will also need to step up on a big stage. Green Bay might be wise to provide safety help, as Hill and Waddle have the speed to take over the game.
Packers TE Tucker Kraft vs. Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks
Miami’s pass defense has been good overall this season, but the Packers may be able to exploit one of their weaknesses. The Dolphins have allowed over 100 yards to opposing tight ends in two consecutive games with little resistance from Brooks. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks in the top 10 among linebackers in both receptions and receiving yards allowed. In week 11, rookie Brock Bowers caught all six of his targets against Brooks’ coverage for a total of 57 yards. That is a good sign for Kraft, who has seen his role in Green Bay’s offense increase dramatically in 2024. He is third on the team with 402 receiving yards and first with six receiving touchdowns, which is tied for second among all tight ends. Given Miami’s vulnerability when it comes to covering tight ends, Kraft could be in store for a big day.
