Miami Dolphins predictions: How are NFL experts picking the Week 1 game vs. LA Chargers?
A highly anticipated season is set to begin for the Miami Dolphins.
Coach Mike McDaniel leads the Fins to face the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2023 NFL season opener Sunday in sunny California. It will be the third time Tua Tagovailoa, the No. 5 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Justin Herbert, the No. 6 pick in that same draft, will face off.
The Dolphins have Super Bowl aspirations after making it to the playoffs last year. Not only do they have an offense featuring star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, they revamped their defense with Vic Fangio as its new coordinator. But they've already hit a roadblock with star cornerback Jalen Ramsey tearing his meniscus in training camp, and Pro Bowl tackle Terron Armstead will miss the opener after getting injured last month.
That would be a big problem against the Chargers, whose defense features pass-rush experts Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. LA won last year's meeting 23-17 without Bosa, holding Tagovailoa to just 145 yards. The Chargers are also looking to build on last season's playoff run, bringing in offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to unlock Herbert, Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen.
Who will win their Week 1 matchup? NFL experts weigh in:
More Dolphins predictions: From Tua Tagovailoa to Jalen Ramsey, 25 predictions and thoughts on 2023 | Habib
Lorenzo Reyes, USA TODAY: Dolphins 27-24
"In theory, the Chargers should be much better this season. Their offensive line is as solid as it has been in recent seasons, Kellen Moore is an upgrade at offensive coordinator and the defense should still be stout. But L.A. has a history of failing to live up to expectations, and I think Miami adding Vic Fangio to lead its defense has the makings of an upset."
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Chargers 35-31
"Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins' offense looks ready to explode again under Mike McDaniel. Justin Herbert, fresh mega contract and all, has been getting rave reviews under Kellen Moore. This should lead to a shootout with high-volume downfield passing with the Chargers' receiving depth, including dynamic Austin Ekeler, allowing them to outlast the mirrored onslaught."
Ian Hanford, Bleacher Report: Chargers win
"Don't get me wrong. Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and company will also test a Chargers defense that largely struggled last year. However, the addition of Quentin Johnston, a stronger (and healthier) offensive line and (Kellen) Moore's play-calling will have the Chargers ready to come out on top. I like both teams to put up points, but (Justin) Herbert's dark-horse MVP campaign will kick off early with a big win on Sunday."
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: Dolphins 28-27
"The Dolphins, as long as Tua is healthy, are an elite team and we need to recognize that. With Vic Fangio there running the defense, with the guys they've added, even with Jalen Ramsey out till maybe December, they're still going to be great and they're going to have balance. And with the Chargers it's always something, and it's just going to be one of those, get into a key moment, who makes a play, who doesn't, and I think the Dolphins are going to find a way to win."
Dan Parr, NFL.com: Chargers 28-24
"My prediction here comes down to health for two teams that seem to be evenly matched. The Dolphins are heading into Week 1 worse off than the Chargers in that regard, which has me leaning toward the Bolts at home. If left tackle Terron Armstead is able to go, that would be huge for a Miami team that will have to account for Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack off the edge."
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Dolphins 32-27
"It's Justin Herbert and Tua Tagovailoa in what has the potential to be an early-season shootout. The Chargers have a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, and that means Justin Herbert, who had 367 passing yards in a 23-17 victory against the Dolphins last season. Tagovailoa gets revenge this time, and Tyreek Hill clears 100 yards with ease."
Chris Simms, Pro Football Talk: Dolphins 31-28
"The Dolphins are arguably, behind the Eagles, you can argue they have the second best roster in football. I think (Mike) McDaniel and company will be prepared for whatever it is (Brandon) Staley threw at them, and the newness of Kellen Moore on the offensive side of the ball, the fact that we didn't get to see them out there as a full unit, J.C. Jackson not back totally healthy yet, I'm going with the Dolphins here."
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Chargers 31-30
"This is a long road trip for the Dolphins to start a season. Miami didn't play well against the Chargers last year in its loss there, but this Miami team might be better. Even so, look for Justin Herbert to again get the best of the battle with Tua Tagovailoa. Miami will keep it close -- real close."
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Dolphins vs. Chargers predictions: NFL experts pick Week 1 game 2023
