The Miami Dolphins have reached the summit of the AFC East at 5-1 after a couple of impressive home wins over the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers.  The level of competition takes a big leap forward on Sunday night. 

The Dolphins will take on the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football in the city of brotherly love. 

Date: Sunday, October 22
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Betting odds: Dolphins +3; Over/Under 47.5
How to watch on TV: NBC
Streaming: NFL+, FuboTV
Radio: 940 AM WINZ, 105.9 AM WBGG (Miami/Ft. Lauderdale)

Can the Dolphins sustain the same success running the ball against the Eagles' stout defense? 

Both teams have some question marks entering the game, and a few of them coincide with the Dolphins' running game.  Eagles DT Jalen Carter was limited in practice all week, but he does not have a game status designation, so he should play.  The question is: how effective will he be?

Miami C Connor Williams is listed as questionable with a groin injury.  If he can't go, that would be a significant setback in their ability to run up the middle against Carter and rest of the teeth of the Eagles' defense.  RB Jeff Wilson, Jr. was activated off injured reserve, but his level of participation is hard to predict as he works back from finger and rib injuries.

3 Dolphins to watch

CB Xavien Howard

Limited all week in practice, Miami's star CB said he expects to play.  If he goes, he will be tasked with helping keep the Eagles passing game from taking off.  A.J. Brown has taken off in recent weeks, and Vic Fangio would be wise to have learned from the Buffalo debacle and put his best cornerback on the opponents #1 WR. 

DL Zach Sieler

This goes for both he and Christian Wilkins.  In short yardage situations, can the DL duo hold their own against the Eagles' interior OL when Philadelphia tries the "tush push" in short yardage situations?  They've been incredibly good at it this year, so the challenge will be huge for them. 

RB Raheem Mostert

Wilson is back, but how much he will be used is up in the air.  As such, Mostert should again see the lion's share of the work.  However, how will he be used against a tough Philly front?  It wouldn't be a surprise to see more perimeter runs called, or even get him a little more involved in the short passing game.  It might not be a typical game plan for Mostert and the offense, so it'll be intriguing to see how it plays out. 

---

Other Dolphins news:

– CB Jalen Ramsey returns to practice

– Raheem Mostert proving the Dolphins have two of the best running backs in the NFL

Dolphins final injury report vs. Eagles Week 7

Miami had a number of players avoid game status designations for Sunda