Game preview of the Miami Dolphins at the Los Angeles Rams

The Dolphins lost their second straight heartbreaking win on a stunning field goal in Buffalo on Sunday. After Tyler Bass' 61-yard strike, the Dolphins fell to 2-6, making their margin of error razor-thin for the rest of the season. The early season gap makes the Week 10 game in Los Angeles against a red-hot Rams team an important game if Miami wants to turn the season around.

It's no exaggeration to say that the Rams could be the biggest remaining challenge on the Dolphins' 2024 schedule. After a series of injuries throughout the offense led to a 1-4 start, the Rams have won three straight, including Sunday's 26-20 overtime win at Seattle.

With a ratio of nine touchdowns to six interceptions, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford's stats don't tell the story of his performance. The former Super Bowl MVP is the engine that powers head coach Sean McVay's offense. His ability to throw from multiple platforms and beat any type of pass rush with his quick decision-making gives the Rams hope in every contest they play.

Stafford now has his full complement of weapons back as wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp recently returned from early-season injuries that landed both players on injured reserve. The offensive line gets both help and the loss of a piece. Veteran tackle Joe Noteboom is expected to be back in time for the loss of tackle Rob Havenstein. The Rams haven't started the same offensive line combination in multiple games all season. Los Angeles also opened practice windows for guards Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson, two of their best players up front, who could return Monday.

The Dolphins' defense will be bolstered by the possible return of defensive tackle Zach Sieler, cornerback Kader Kohou and safety Jevon Holland – three strong players who could have helped turn the tide in the Buffalo game. Safety Patrick McMorris also had his practice window opened by the Dolphins this week.

For Miami's offense, the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa coincided with the reinstallation of a high-powered, highly efficient offense. The Dolphins have scored on two-thirds of their possessions since Tagovailoa's return, averaging 3.6 points per drive.

Tagovailoa's top option in both the running and passing games was sophomore sensation De'Von Achane. His 14 receptions in the last two games led the team, as did his 268 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.

Achane's inclusion in the passing game is consistent with an area of ​​Tagovailoa's game that head coach Mike McDaniel says is a great sign of the growth and development of his skills.

“I thought it was a great example of Tua's development, finding finishes, using his accuracy and challenging the areas of the field that weren't overcrowded,” he said of Tagovailoa's 25 of 28 performances Sunday in Buffalo.

The 2-6 hole is deep, but if the Dolphins can get a primetime win on the road in Los Angeles, the next two games will be at Hard Rock Stadium, where the Dolphins have been among the NFL's better home teams for the last decade.

Be sure to check out the injury report and the team's official social media accounts 90 minutes before kickoff to see who is active for the game.

Watch the game live on ESPN at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday, November 11, listen on the Dolphins Radio Network and check out the latest coverage on Game Center.