The Miami Dolphins enter their Week 13 contest against the New Orleans Saints riding their first winning streak of the season. That, plus extra rest and the outlook of potential returns to the lineup, should have Miami feeling optimistic about the team's chances to climb back into relevance. But it all starts with putting one foot in front of the other and taking care of each week's opponent. For the Saints, the landscape of the Week 13 contest between the two teams appears to have endured a significant shift — one that would tilt the scales in Miami's favor. The Saints will begin prepping for Miami with the status of RB Alvin Kamara very much in doubt for Week 13 Saints running back Alvin Kamara went down in Week 12 with what reports indicate is a knee sprain. Such a turn of events would be a tough blow for a Saints offense that has struggled all season to find their footing with any consistency. New Orleans, with Kamara, currently ranks 29th in the NFL in rushing yards, 30th in the NFL in yards per attempt, and is dead last in the league in rushing touchdowns through Week 12 (3 scores). The Saints are also averaging a slight 15 points per game and have scored three offensive touchdowns in the last calendar month. This is a major opportunity for the Dolphins' defense to springboard their performance into new heights and try to parlay their recent momentum from before the bye week into sustained success. Not having to worry about Kamara, who is second on the team in total yards, would be a helpful development, even if Kamara is a shell of the player he once was. Thankfully for Miami, they've had loads of extra time to prep and be ready either way. Miami Dolphins' rushing defense in recent weeks Week 11 - 172 rushing yards allowed to Washington Commanders Week 10 - 87 rushing yards allowed to Buffalo BIlls Week 9 - 150 rushing yards allowed to Baltimore Ravens Week 8 - 45 rushing yards allowed to Atlanta Falcons Week 7 - 104 rushing yards allowed to Cleveland Browns
