KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ETGAME DATE: 9/9/07
SURFACE: Grass
TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
SERIES: 12th meeting. Dolphins lead series 7-4, including 1-1 in Super Bowls. Redskins have won the last two at home. Most historic meeting between these two teams was in Super Bowl VII, when the Dolphins completed their unprecedented unbeaten season with a 14-7 victory. The Redskins avenged that defeat by topping the Dolphins, 27-17, in Super Bowl XVII.
SCOUT.COM PREDICTION: Redskins, 17-14
KEYS TO THE GAME: To protect 37-year-old QB Trent Green, the Dolphins will use plenty of two-tight end sets and rookie FB Reagan Mauia to lead the way for RB Ronnie Brown. Coach Cam Cameron also wants Brown to be more involved in the passing game, a la LaDainian Tomlinson. The problem is the offensive line is still a major question mark, and the Redskins hope new MLB London Fletcher can lead a strong effort in run defense to put the pressure on Green. ... The Redskins know they won't light up the scoreboard against the Dolphins' stout defense. There will be a heavy dose of RBs Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, with the Dolphins aiming to force Campbell into long passing downs. That's when DE Jason Taylor and Co. will attack sore-kneed LT Chris Samuels and recent addition LG Pete Kendall.
KEY INJURIES: Dolphins: OLB Joey Porter (knee) will start but isn't 100 percent. Redskins: RB Clinton Portis (knee) is expected to start; OLT Chris Samuels (knee) is expected to start; SLB Marcus Washington (elbow) will likely start.
FAST FACTS: Miami will travel 29,724 miles this season, most in the AFC and third in the NFL. ... The Redskins will play their sixth consecutive season opener at home.