PLAYER NOTES
--LB Jelani Jenkins (abdomen), tied for the NFL lead with 35 tackles, was limited in Wednesday's practice. Jenkins, valued for his intelligence and pass coverage, has showed good sideline-to-sideline ability in this season.
--WR Mike Wallace (hamstring) was limited Wednesday. Wallace sat out part of Tuesday's practice and has been dogged by the hamstring ailment since training camp.
--S Louis Delmas, who shared time with Michael Thomas last week, seems to have re-gained his starting job. Thomas started at Buffalo two weeks ago. It appears the Dolphins favor Thomas against the pass and Delmas against the run.
--RG Dallas Thomas (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice. He got his first career start last week and was so-so, at best.
--C Mike Pouncey (hip) is doing more and more at practice every day but he was limited Wednesday was listed Friday as doubtful.
--DE Terrence Fede (knee) appears as though he'll be ready to make his NFL debut this week. The seventh-round pick from Marist was a training camp sensation but has been slowed by the knee ailment all season.
--CB Jamar Taylor might see more action in the nickel formation this week. The Dolphins seem to be trying to reduce Will Davis' role a bit.
GAME PLAN: The Dolphins need to utilize their running game to take pressure off quarterback Ryan Tannehill and one of the NFL's most inconsistent passing games. Tannehill has been sacked nine times and his passer rating of 74.1 ranks 29th in the NFL.
Clearly this is a team that needs to use the run to set up the pass.
Defensively, the line needs to take charge and set the tone for the entire team. They need be sure tacklers against the run and fierce rushers vs. the pass. The defensive line is the best hope for winning. They have nine sacks, three caused fumbles and a safety.
And there should be a huge emphasis on special teams execution. The Dolphins have been one of the NFL's best at special teams the last three years, but this year they've been woefully inadequate.
Oakland isn't a good team but considering they had a strong finish last week against New England, the Dolphins have to be very careful.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
--Dolphins rushing game, seventh in the NFL, vs. Raiders run game, 31st in the NFL. Lamar Miller gets the bulk of the work here although Damien Williams could get the call. The big thing to watch is whether the Dolphins can consistently move the chains. Miller is usually a home run hitter as opposed to a guy who keeps the offense moving.
--Dolphins pass rush, which has nine sacks, vs. Raiders rookie QB Derek Carr, who is making his third start. The Dolphins' defensive loine is fierce and can wreck a game plan. Carr is a youngster but he almost beat New England last week.
