Where: Sun Life Stadium, Miami (grass)
When: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
Spread: Dolphins by 3.5
Records: Rams (Overall: 3-2, NFC West: 2-0); Dolphins (Overall: 2-3, AFC East 0-1)
Past results: Two most recent meetings -- Nov. 30, 2008: Dolphins 16, Rams 12. Oct. 24, 2004: Dolphins 31, Rams 14. Series record: Dolphins lead 9-2.
What matters: The Rams are gunning for their first three-game win streak since 2006. They’re above .500 for the first time in six years thanks to a defense that’s allowed 16 points the past two weeks. But the Rams are 0-2 on the road and have lost four straight in Miami since their first visit in 1976.
Who matters: With WR Danny Amendola sidelined, St. Louis could lean more heavily on Steven Jackson, who looked spry last week running for 76 yards on 18 carries. He’ll face a Miami defense allowing 2.7 yards a carry and 61.4 rushing yards per game, both tops in the NFL.
Key matchups: The Rams, who got nine sacks in their win over Arizona last week believe they can pressure rookie QB Ryan Tannehill (1,269 passing yards, 2 TDs, 6 INTs) into mistakes. For that to happen, DEs Robert Quinn (6 sacks) and Chris Long must beat Miami OTs Jake Long and rookie Jonathan Martin.
Injuries of note: Leading WR Amendola will be out at least a month with a separated SC joint, the joint where the collarbone meets the sternum.
OT Rodger Saffold remains out with a knee injury. LB Mario Haggan, a key special teams player, is doubtful with a thigh injury. DE William Hayes is doubtful with a back injury.
DT Matt Conrath (knee), DE Eugene Sims (head) and S Matt Daniels (thigh) practiced in full Thursday and should play.
Inside Stuff: QB Sam Bradford is just 7 for 19 on throws of 20-plus yards, but three of those were dropped. … DE Long has 27 QB hurries, four QB hits and three sacks through five games. … Miami’s Cameron Wake is the best DE in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
Connections: DT Kendall Langford signed with the Rams in the offseason after spending his first four NFL seasons in Miami, which drafted him 66th overall. “I don’t want to say it’s anything personal,” Langford said. “At the end of the day, I know it’s a business, and I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to go out there and show them what I’ve got.”
Stats you should know: The Rams rank 29th in total offense (278.0). … With Amendola out, Brandon Gibson is the Rams’ leading receiver with 13 catches for 184 yards and two TDs. … Opposing QBs have a 66.6 passer rating against St. Louis, third-lowest in the NFL. The Rams are tied for third with eight INTs, including three by Cortland Finnegan.
Record watch: Rookie Greg Zuerlein is 13 for 13 on field goals, including four 50-plus yarders. No NFL kicker has made his first five FGs from 50-plus yards.
Looking ahead: The Rams are entering their toughest stretch. After visiting the Dolphins, they fly to London to face New England and host Green Bay before getting an off week. The Rams must go 1-2 to enter the off week 4-4, keeping their feel-good story alive.
Prediction: Dolphins 20, Rams 17
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSRams.
