Dolphins vs. Saints, Week 4: New Orleans joins 4-0 club with victory over Miami

New Orleans missed the playoffs last season with Sean Payton suspended as a result of the bounty program. With Payton back in the fold and an improved defense under new coordinator Rob Ryan, the Saints look as good as they have since winning the Super Bowl.

History and math tell us they have a good shot at getting back there, too.

The loss was Miami’s first of the season, dropping the Dolphins to 3-1 and one game behind New England.

Brees once again put up huge numbers, finishing with 413 passing yards and four touchdowns. Sproles and Jimmy Graham were the two biggest beneficiaries. Sproles finished with 142 total yards and two touchdowns while Graham caught four passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

The Miami Dolphins are actually outgaining the New Orleans Saints, 224-220, but a pair of turnovers -- a Ryan Tannehill fumble and a Ryan Tannehill interceptions -- kept them from more putting points on the board, and both have led to New Orleans touchdowns.

After the Tannehill pick, it was tough for Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman to watch:

Miami had more offensive balance in the first half, rushing for 96 yards and throwing for 128 yards. New Orleans didn’t have much success on the ground, running for just 10 yards. The Saints, however, utilized a short passing game instead with Sproles finishing the first half with 114 receiving yards, most of which came after the catch.

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Battle of the undefeated!

Ryan Nanni [11:40 PM]:

Stopping New Orleans’ potent offense is a challenge for any team, but the Dolphins will have to attempt to slow down Drew Brees and company without two of their defensive starters

Cameron Wake, one of the NFL’s top pass rushers, is inactive due to a knee injury. Wake was limited in practice during the week. He went through warmups prior to Monday’s game before discussing his status with the training staff. According to Adam Beasley, this is the first game Wake has missed during his Dolphins career due to injury.

The return of Sean Payton to the sideline in New Orleans has certainly been a big part of the Saints’ 2013 turnaround, but perhaps equally significant to the 3-0 start is the addition of defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. A year after allowing the most offensive yards in the history of the league, the Saints defense has surrendered only five touchdowns in three games and is limiting opponents to an average of 295.7 yards per contest, good for fourth in the league.

Monday, Sept. 30, 8:40 p.m. ET

The Saints were a 7-point favorite at home Monday after opening at -5.5, according to OddsShark.com.

New Orleans has played better on the MNF stage, running to a 5-1 ATS mark in six games. The Dolphins are 1-4 ATS.

These days, both teams are looking to avoid their first loss of the season, but let’s take a look at how this match up affects the world of fantasy football.

Defense/ Special teams: The Colts and Falcons limited Miami’s defensive output in fantasy so far this season. There are better match ups to be had than Drew Brees and the Saints offense in the Superdome.