3 Keys to Victory for the Detroit Lions Against the Miami Dolphins

It’s officially game week, and the Detroit Lions will be taking on the Miami Dolphins. Detroit is currently riding a three-game winning streak, while Miami is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the New England Patriots. The Dolphins held a 10-point lead late in the fourth quarter before ultimately losing by five points.

Despite their 1–6 record, Miami has been competitive throughout its last four games. Detroit should be able to handle the Dolphins, despite holding a 1–2 record on the road this season. If the Lions want to avoid any problems and cruise to a blowout victory, they will need to execute these three keys to victory.

Key 1: No Turnovers

Last week, Jared Goff committed his first turnover of the season, throwing an interception that ultimately led to three points for the Vikings. Although the Lions overcame the mistake, Detroit cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot against Miami.

Fortunately for Detroit, Miami ranks near the bottom of the NFL in takeaways with just six, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Over its last three matchups, Miami has recorded two fumble recoveries and one interception.

The Lions have also done an excellent job protecting the football. Only two teams have committed fewer giveaways than Detroit: the Washington Commanders and Houston Texans, who have each recorded three. Detroit currently sits at four giveaways, consisting of three lost fumbles and one interception.

If the Lions can continue taking care of the football, they should have a significant advantage against a Dolphins defense that has struggled to create turnovers.

Key 2: Establish the Run

Last week, Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for his most yards in a game this season, finishing with 153. Backup running back Sione Vaki also contributed 11 carries for 65 yards as Detroit dominated a very good Minnesota defense.

Dan Campbell said he expects starting center Cade Mays to miss this week’s matchup. However, that could potentially benefit Detroit’s running game. After Mays went down with an injury, Juice Scruggs stepped in, and the Lions’ rushing attack continued to find success.

Miami has struggled to keep running backs out of the end zone. Although the Dolphins have allowed just three rushing touchdowns to running backs, they’ve surrendered five receiving touchdowns to the position.

Gibbs already has two receiving touchdowns to go along with his eight rushing touchdowns, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him find the end zone multiple times this week.

Miami is allowing 113.1 rushing yards per game, which is comparable to the Minnesota Vikings’ 116 rushing yards per game. If Detroit jumps out to an early lead, it could heavily lean on Gibbs and Vaki to control the game on the ground and wear down the Dolphins’ defense.

Key 3: Start Hot

Detroit has scored just one touchdown on its opening possession this season and ranks fourth-lowest in the NFL in first-quarter scoring, averaging 2.9 points per game.

Although Detroit managed to overcome a slow start against Arizona, where they wouldn’t score any points in the first quarter Detroit would find themselves clawing its way back into the game, giving an opponent early hope and momentum is never ideal.

The Lions scored a touchdown on their opening drive against the Green Bay Packers, and it ultimately proved to be the difference-maker in their three-point victory.

Although the Dolphins aren’t nearly as strong as the Packers, Detroit will still be playing on the road. With rain expected during the game, a slow start combined with a couple of turnovers could give Miami an excellent opportunity to pull off the upset.

Detroit needs to come out firing on all cylinders and establish control early rather than allowing Miami to hang around.

Overall

I expect Detroit to handle the Dolphins with relative ease and continue its three-game winning streak, extending it to four. The Lions haven’t won four consecutive games since October 5, 2025.

Despite the possibility of rain during the game, I believe Detroit has too much talent on both sides of the football for Miami to keep up. If the Lions can protect the football, establish their running game and get off to a fast start, this should be a comfortable victory.

Final Prediction: Lions 31, Dolphins 10.