Dolphins at Ravens: Who has the edge?

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (11-4) and Baltimore Ravens (12-3) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 17 game at M&T Bank Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: Miami’s backfield could be turning more into a three-headed monster with Jeff Wilson Jr. getting into the mix, especially for his late runs that allowed the Dolphins to run out the clock and make kicker Jason Sanders’ game-winning field goal come as time expired against the Cowboys. Raheem Mostert is dealing with an ankle injury he has to manage during the week in order to play Sunday in Baltimore.

Right tackle Austin Jackson could be on track to return to the offensive line after missing last Sunday’s start with his oblique ailment. Right guard Robert Hunt, though, still appears to be further away, so look for the interior offensive line combination of Liam Eichenberg at center with Lester Cotton and Robert Jones at the guards. Left tackle Terron Armstead is battling knee, ankle and back ailments that could limit his effectiveness.

Against Miami’s fifth-ranked rushing offense, Baltimore has the No. 12 run defense. Inside linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen are both having triple-digit tackle seasons, Smith up at 151. Nose tackle Michael Pierce and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike are key against the run up front, and if safety Kyle Hamilton can’t go, that helps the Dolphins on the second level. Edge: Dolphins

When the Ravens run: Baltimore has running backs J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell on injured reserve, but the entire offense, including the run game, centers around quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Pompano Beach native. With a team-leading 786 yards rushing, the Dolphins have to defend designed runs for Jackson, Jackson’s passing and Jackson scrambling when a pass play breaks down. With the injuries to tailbacks, Gus Edwards has provided a steadying presence with 12 rushing touchdowns and 694 yards, earning 4 yards per carry. Justice Hill will figure to get plenty of work, too.

The Dolphins defense ranks fifth against the run and, better yet, is tied for second in the league since Week 5. Baltimore’s run game is tops in the NFL, and it’s a different animal when having to contain an athlete like Jackson as a scrambler. He and the Ravens backs can get behind left tackle Ronnie Stanley, right tackle Morgan Moses and center Tyler Linderbaum, along with fullback Patrick Ricard. I believe in Christian Wilkins, Zach Sieler, David Long Jr. and others in the defensive front to stop the traditional ground game. The key will be if Miami can keep Jackson from reeling off big scrambles. Edge: Ravens

When the Dolphins pass: Last time quarterback Tua Tagovailoa faced off against the Ravens, he led a historic comeback from down three touchdowns in the fourth quarter for a 42-38 win in a six-touchdown performance. Baltimore let star wide receiver Tyreek Hill get open deep twice to blow the big lead. Tagovailoa knows it won’t be that easy against the Ravens this time around, and that No. 6 pass defense is coming off a game where it intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy four times.

Hill could be playing slowed down by a bum ankle. Meanwhile, Jaylen Waddle has a high ankle sprain that could keep him out entirely. While not ruled out yet, it seems unlikely he can play or be effective Sunday in Baltimore. Hamilton’s availability is big in the secondary for the Ravens, but Geno Stone has six interceptions for them. Cornerback and former All-Pro Marlon Humphrey is a top cornerback, and he has a key matchup with Hill. The Dolphins can look to keep getting tight end Durham Smythe more involved in the pass game if Waddle can’t play.