Here’s how the Miami Dolphins can beat the Seattle Seahawks

Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP

In games against opponents of this caliber — title contenders — the Dolphins can't afford to be generous with the ball. That means the tailbacks can't fumble away possessions, and Fitzpatrick can't throw those risky passes that often get him into trouble. It would also be ideal for Xavien Howard (left) to deliver an interception like the one he pulled down last week against the Jaguars. Howard seems to be getting healthier each week, and that should benefit the Dolphins if he doesn't suffer a setback. Wilson has thrown one interception so far this season. Wilson averages 0.52 interceptions per game throughout his career so he's destined to throw one soon.

Charles Krupa/AP

Myles Gaskin has done an admirable job serving as the Dolphins' featured back, gaining 152 yards on 38 carries and catching 15 of the 16 passes thrown his way, producing 91 receiving yards. But Gaskins, who is averaging 3.9 yards per play, and hasn't delivered the big play that injects fear into opposing defenses. It would be ideal for the Dolphins to test out Matt Breida, who has delivered big plays throughout his NFL career, and Jordan Howard, who served as a featured back during his tenure in Chicago, and see if they've each made some improvements to their game since being leapfrogged on the depth chart by a 2019 seventh-round pick. Seattle's opponents are averaging 66.7 rushing yards per game (3.0 yards per carry), which ranks the Seahawks defense second overall when it comes to defending the run.

Stephen Brashear/AP

The Dolphins were victimized by big plays in their first two games, losses to the Patriots and Bills. But the defense tighten up in last week's win over the Jaguars. D.K. Metcalf, who has a unique blend of size and speed, has produced 297 yards and scored three touchdowns on his 12 receptions this season. Miami needs to bracket him with a safety over the top. But it is Tyler Lockett (center), who has caught 24 passes for 259 yards and scored four touchdowns, that presents the Dolphins secondary the biggest challenge because Miami hasn't settled on a starting nickel cornerback yet. The three cornerbacks — Jamal Perry, Nik Needham and Tae Hayes — working at nickel haven't settled into that spot yet.

Elaine Thompson/AP

Wilson's (3) the type of quarterback who has the athleticism to run, but he's at his best when he's using his legs to buy time on a play, giving his weapons time to get open. That's one of the reasons he's completing 76.7 percent of his passes, and has thrown 14 touchdowns in three games, which is an NFL record. He's been sacked nine times already, so that means the Seahawks, who have a few injuries on their offensive line, are vulnerable to blitzes, twists and stunts. The Dolphins need to find a way to make sure linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jerome Baker are Wilson's worst nightmare on Sunday, making him play a guessing game on their intentions before each snap.