The Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers both come into this game as teams looking to cement their reputations as good teams in 2014.
The Chargers have come back down to earth after a scorching five game winning streak in which they scored at least 30 points four times, while the Dolphins have feasted on bad teams of late with their last three wins coming against teams with losing records.
Here's what you need to know:
Dolphins secondary making plays
The Dolphins are making big plays on the back end this season and it's becoming an indispensable part of their success. They're averaging an ungodly 43.2 yards per interception return and owe their Week 8 victory to interceptions returned for touchdowns by safety Louis Delmas and cornerback Brent Grimes.
The offense has sputtered and will likely need a boost from the defense to win the game. After playing the first four games of the season without an interception, the Dolphins have six in their last three games. They've also recovered eight fumbles this year.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers was taking care of the football early in the season but has three interceptions in his last two games so the secondary should look to exploit that.
Chargers running game
In the past two games the Chargers have rushed for 61 and 69 yards.
Undrafted rookie Branden Oliver was supposed to reignite the running game after coming out of nowhere in Week 5 to hang 182 total yards on the New York Jets, but he has been stymied the last two weeks.
Oliver may not be suited to be an every down back but could find success in a Darren Sproles/Danny Woodhead-type role the Chargers' offense is famous for. That won't be this week however, as Oliver will be counted on to carry the load with Donald Brown contributing occasionally.
Banged up Chargers defense
Injuries are beginning to pile up for a Chargers defense that was over achieving to start the season. The secondary will be without Jason Verrett and Jahleel Addae, while Dwight Freeney, Brandon Flowers and Jeremiah Attaochu are all playing through injuries.
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill will look to jump-start the Dolphins' offense against this wounded group and the game plan may be to take advantage of a secondary that was carved up by the Denver Broncos in Week 8 by throwing early and often.
