The Washington Commanders are eager to break their five-game losing streak as they face off against the Miami Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Madrid Game this Sunday morning. Coming off a disappointing 44-22 defeat against the Detroit Lions, the Commanders hold a 3-7 record, placing them third in the NFC East. Meanwhile, the Dolphins also stand at 3-7 after a surprising 30-13 victory over the Buffalo Bills during Week 10, holding the same ranking in the AFC East. Notably, the Commanders have been successful against AFC competitors with a 2-1 record, while the Dolphins are 1-1 against NFC teams.
Washington is grappling with injuries, as quarterback Jayden Daniels is sidelined with an elbow issue, and star receiver Terry McLaurin is out due to a quad injury. The Dolphins will miss offensive lineman Austin Jackson because of a toe injury, and several players will be game-time decisions, including linebacker Bradley Chubb and cornerback Rasul Douglas, both dealing with foot concerns, as well as receiver Dee Eskridge, who has a shoulder issue.
The kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, and the Dolphins have a historical edge in this matchup, leading the all-time series 10-6, including a decisive 45-15 victory in their last encounter in 2023. According to current betting odds, Miami is favored by 2.5 points with an over/under set at 47.5 total points.
In terms of performance, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has demonstrated solid statistics this season, with a completion rate of 68.2%, accumulating 1,952 yards, and securing 17 touchdowns against 13 interceptions. His most recent outing included a strong performance of 15 completions on 21 attempts against the Bills, where he threw for 173 yards and two touchdowns.
On the ground, De’Von Achane has been instrumental for Miami, currently boasting 780 rushing yards and five touchdowns this season, paired with significant contributions in the passing game. His explosive capability has been evident with eight plays exceeding 20 yards.
For the Commanders, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota will carry the starting role in the absence of Daniels. He has shown promise, posting a completion rate of 65.5% over six games, including a commendable performance against the Lions where he passed for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has also been noteworthy, amassing 470 rushing yards along with four touchdowns this season.
As anticipation builds for the Commanders vs. Dolphins matchup, analysts and fans alike are watching closely for potential upsets and standout performances, hopeful that the Commanders can find their footing and deliver an inspiring game. The outcome may just hinge on the teams’ ability to rise to the occasion and adapt in face of injuries, making this an intriguing game for players and fans.