Who has the edge? Dolphins at Browns, hoping the game has meaning after Saturday’s results

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (7-8) and Cleveland Browns (3-12) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 17 game at Huntington Bank Field (4:05 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: At last, Miami finally, for the first time in seven games, had an effective run game in last Sunday’s win over the San Francisco 49ers. The Dolphins totaled 166 yards as a team on 5.5 yards per carry. De’Von Achane had 120 rushing yards, capping his effort with a 50-yard touchdown run. It was Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson behind him in the running back corps, with rookie Jaylen Wright not seeing action.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel decided to rotate Isaiah Wynn and Liam Eichenberg at right guard. Wynn impressed in his first start and offensive snaps in 14 months since he injured his quadriceps in October 2023. He helped break open Achane’s long touchdown. McDaniel has a decision on whether to maintain that split of snaps or go full-time to Wynn against the Browns’ No. 19 run defense. Miami will have to look out for linebackers Devin Bush Jr., a Flanagan High product, Jordan Hicks and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, along with safety Grant Delpit, who leads the team in tackles.

In potential cold rain in Cleveland, will it be the Dolphins run game we just saw against San Francisco or the one from the previous six outings? Edge: Even

When the Browns run: The run game has been a staple for Cleveland in recent years, but the team only ranks 27th in that aspect this season. With Nick Chubb on injured reserve, it’s Jerome Ford who will handle ball-carrying duties for the Browns ground game. He has been averaging 5.5 yards per carry this season, and he’s coming off a 92-yard effort with a touchdown on 11 attempts last week against the Cincinnati Bengals.

With quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson possibly slated to start for the injured Deshaun Watson and Jameis Winston, he possesses dual-threat abilities and just had 49 rushing yards against the Bengals. Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Jack Conklin can pave the way for Ford and Thompson-Robinson on scrambles. Miami’s sixth-ranked rushing defense, spearheaded by defensive linemen Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell and leading tackler Jordyn Brooks, should match up well. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa bounced back from his first career four-turnover game to go without a turnover or take a sack against a solid 49ers defense. His 22-of-34 performance for 215 yards and a touchdown could’ve been much better if he didn’t have the drops from star wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Nonetheless, Tagovailoa continued to find Achane out of the backfield and feed tight end Jonnu Smith to find his production through the air.

Hill said this week he needs more practice reps with Tagovailoa, mentioning that his veteran rest days are catching up to him and his connectivity with his quarterback. It’s also unknown whether Jaylen Waddle can return this week from his knee injury. Having both available would help, as the Browns can use three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward able to maybe lock in on Hill.

Of primary concern anytime facing Cleveland, though, is containing All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett, who has 12 sacks this season. It helps that the Dolphins got tackles Terron Armstead and Kendall Lamm back last week, but they’re often limping their way to availability on game day. Tagovailoa should be mindful of Garrett at all times and use his patented quick release. Edge: Even

When the Browns pass: If it’s not Winston, who could provide a greater upset threat, the Dolphins will see behind center, it’s Thompson-Robinson after he struggled last Sunday against the Bengals, completing 20 of 34 passes for 157 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions, while taking five sacks.

The Browns, though, have significant pass-catching threats with South Florida ties. Jerry Jeudy, a Deerfield Beach High grad, is having a career year with 72 catches for 1,072 yards and four touchdowns. He could be Jalen Ramsey’s responsibility on the outside, but defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver also has the option of blitzing Ramsey or putting him against tight end David Njoku. The former University of Miami standout has 64 receptions for 505 yards and five touchdowns this season, and the Dolphins have struggled defending tight ends. Cornerback Kendall Fuller won’t play for Miami’s 11th-ranked pass defense, so that means elevated roles for Kader Kohou and Storm Duck in the secondary.

The Dolphins have hit their stride with their pass rush, as Sieler (8½ sacks) can produce it on the interior and edge rusher Chop Robinson now has six sacks on his rookie season. He can look to get another against Browns left tackle Germain Ifedi. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: The Dolphins don’t usually get the edge here, but kicker Jason Sanders is on fire, making 22 consecutive field goals and being named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his five-field goal performance against the 49ers. Miami’s punting game and coverage on those plays has also been on point, and Malik Washington is an asset in the return game.

Cleveland kicker Dustin Hopkins has struggled with nine field goal misses and three more fails on extra points. The Browns have a quality punter in Corey Bojorquez, but they have also allowed a kick return and punt return touchdown this season. Edge: Dolphins

Intangibles: There is a scenario where Miami could be eliminated before Sunday, but the Dolphins are preparing like they’re fighting for their playoff lives. The Browns have long since been eliminated and are down their top two quarterbacks and elite (when healthy) running back. The weather won’t even be as advantageous for Cleveland as some would’ve believed. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 23, Browns 16.