MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens will meet Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium for a prime time Week 9 showdown that will likely see the return of Lamar Jackson, who also happens to be a South Florida native.

Tagovailoa leads a 2-6 Miami team searching for consistency after its most complete effort of the year — a 34-10 win over Atlanta. Tagovailoa completed 23 of 29 passes for four touchdowns, carving up the Falcons defense with precision and confidence.

The Dolphins found success leaning on a more physical ground game that featured six-offensive-lineman sets and a steady running back rotation of De’Von Achane, Ollie Gordon II, and Jaylen Wright.

Each had at least nine carries as Miami emphasized control and balance over explosiveness. Head coach Mike McDaniel promised schematic adjustments, and last week, he delivered.

Defensively, Miami showed major improvement against the run, holding Falcons standout Bijan Robinson to just 25 yards on nine carries — the fourth-lowest total of his career.

Leading that charge for the Dolphins defense was linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who is fresh off earning his first career AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. Brooks will again be crucial against a Baltimore offense loaded with rushing threats.

The Ravens (2-5) ended a three-game skid last week by beating the Chicago Bears 30-16 without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who’s been sidelined with a right hamstring injury.

Jackson, the Pompano Beach native who formerly played at Boynton Beach High School and two-time NFL MVP, is expected to return Thursday night in South Florida.

Before getting hurt, Jackson totaled 11 touchdowns (10 passing, one rushing) and only one interception through four games.

His 6,339 career rushing yards remain the most by a quarterback in NFL history, and he’ll once again direct an offense featuring Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, DeAndre Hopkins, Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman.

Running back Derrick Henry remains Baltimore’s power engine.

Though his numbers as we get closer to the 2025 season’s midway point are below his usual standards — 510 yards on 109 carries and six touchdowns through eight games — he’s still capable of breaking a game open on any touch.

Thursday night’s matchup offers both struggling teams a chance to reset their seasons.

For Miami, it’s about proving last week’s dominance wasn’t a fluke. For Baltimore, it’s a chance to regain form with Jackson back behind center.

Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m.

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