Jahmyr Gibbs Brings Detroit’s Fast Lane to Miami

Jahmyr Gibbs turned a close game into a Detroit celebration last week when he raced 30 yards for the key touchdown against Minnesota. Now the Lions bring that burst of speed to Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, where the 5-2 visitors will face a Miami team trying to turn hard lessons into a new beginning.

Detroit has won three straight games, including tight division battles with Green Bay and Minnesota. Those wins matter because they show the Lions can do more than pile up highlights. Against the Vikings, Detroit stayed patient in a physical game and leaned on its running attack. Gibbs finished with 153 rushing yards, a reminder that one small opening can become a long sprint when he gets the ball.

The Lions average 29 points per game because defenses must worry about players all across the field. Gibbs has already scored 10 total touchdowns, whether he is slicing through a running lane or catching a short pass with room to run. When defenders crowd toward him, quarterback Jared Goff can look for Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose sharp routes make him a trusted target, or Jameson Williams, whose deep speed can stretch the field.

Miami faces an extra challenge after running back De’Von Achane went on injured reserve with a knee injury. The Dolphins will need quarterback Malik Willis to keep the offense moving with smart throws and timely runs. Willis has rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns, giving Miami a quarterback who can escape pressure and create a play when a pass breaks down.

His main target has been Malik Washington, a quick receiver who leads the Dolphins with 31 catches. Tight end Greg Dulcich gives Willis another useful option over the middle, where bigger targets can find open patches of grass. Miami scored 28 points in its Week 7 win over the Jets, then pushed New England late last week. Those games showed that this young offense can fight, even while it searches for more steady scoring.

The Dolphins’ defense has allowed 25.9 points per game, and that is the big task against Detroit’s many weapons. Miami may need strong efforts up front from defenders such as Zach Sieler, who is listed as questionable, to slow Gibbs before he reaches the second level. The Lions also have injury questions: St. Brown is dealing with a rib injury, while several defensive starters are uncertain for Sunday.

That could give Willis chances to attack a Detroit defense that has allowed 25.7 points per game. Miami must protect the football, though. The Dolphins have lost more takeaways than they have created this season, and last week an interception helped New England pull away. Against a Lions offense that gains nearly 400 yards per game, extra chances can become a major problem.

This matchup is a chase between Detroit’s playoff push and Miami’s effort to build a tougher identity. The Dolphins have home-field energy and a mobile quarterback, but the Lions have more answers on offense and arrive with stronger momentum. Prediction: Detroit Lions win.