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Three Big Things: Dolphins Week

A look at the top storylines for Sunday's game

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  • CARDINALS at DOLPHINS
  • 10 a.m. Sunday
  • Hard Rock Stadium
  • Line: Cardinals +3 (For more NFL odds, visit the BetMGM online sportsbook)

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When Opportunity Knocks, Who Answers?

Losing Dennis Gardeck hurts. It hurts a lot. But injuries are part of the game. And you hear it all the time, "Next man up." Well, who is the next man up at outside linebacker for the Cardinals? Two names are obvious: Victor Dimukeje and Xavier Thomas, who as a fifth-round pick flashed in the preseason. Neither has seen much playing time recently; Dimukeje has been inactive in four of the last five games, Thomas in each of the last three. In addition, there may be more snaps for Jesse Luketa and Julian Okwara opposite starter Zaven Collins. Also, pay attention to Mack Wilson Sr. According to Next Gen Stats, Wilson rushed a season-high 18 times against the Los Angeles Chargers. He totaled 19 the previous two games combined.

-- Craig Grialou

Leading With King James

James Conner is the heartbeat and the engine of this offense, which was on full display in Monday night's win. Beyond his numbers carrying the ball, the passion and ferocity he brings on every single play is infectious. Conner doesn't just match a defense's physicality; he brings it on his own in what he describes as a "swing-first" mindset. That physicality in the run game will be crucial in Miami against a defense that's generating the highest QB pressure rate and boasting the top passing defense in the league. Arizona's found the most complete offensive success when Conner has been able to hammer it down a defense's throat. Going up against a Dolphins defense that can get home to the quarterback and prevent deep passes, makes success on the ground even more imperative.

-- Dani Sureck

Is Miami Offense Trick Or Treat?

Only one thing is more terrifying in Florida than the insects or alligators -- the Dolphins offense. That is, until early this season, when QB Tua Tagovailoa suffered the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career. From ranking second in scoring per game (29.2) last season to dead last (11.7) this season, the Dolphins have combined to score just 70 points in six games. Remember, Miami famously erupted for 70 points in a single jackstomping of the Broncos last year. Hence, with Tua's expected return, will the AZ D face the receiver duo that combined for more yards receiving (2,813) than any other WR tandem last year? Or the Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle minus Tua who posted a single catch apiece last week for a combined 19 yds? We know Hill's answer, as he told fantasy owners: "We're back, baby. Start me this week."

-- Paul Calvisi

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