MIAMI GARDENS — The undefeated Miami Dolphins (2-0) host the winless Denver Broncos (0-2) in a 1 p.m. home opener at Hard Rock Stadium that’s likely to feature oppressively hot and humid conditions.

In other words, all signs point to a Dolphins victory.

But beware. Sometimes injuries are an equalizer, and the Dolphins have a few injury concerns.

Still, these two teams, at this early point of the season, are headed in opposite directions.

The Dolphins have shown passing offense, rushing offense, run defense, pass defense and a pass rush. Special teams have been shaky, but, hey, you can’t have it all, right?

Denver, despite having coach Sean Payton and quarterback Russell Wilson, as well as cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the American Heritage High product, hasn’t shown much promise.

Regardless, there are interesting matchups and potential pitfalls for the Dolphins. Here are a few things to watch for in Sunday’s game: 

Dolphins’ health

Among Pro Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead (back/knee/ankle), wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (concussion protocol) and edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (back) there are concerns among Miami’s star players. But with running back Salvon Ahmed (groin) leaving last Sunday’s game, there’s also a bit of a concern at running back because Jeff Wilson Jr. is on injured reserve.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, the reserve players — mainly left tackle Kendall Lamm and edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel — were strong vs. the Patriots. The Dolphins had good depth last year and it appears they have it again this year. And there’s no reason to rush guys back. It’s more important to be healthy in December and January than September and October.

Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill vs. Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II

This matchup is big. But it’s an absolutely huge matchup if Waddle is sidelined. Hill, one of the top receivers in the league, can wreck a defense all by himself. But Surtain, one of the top cornerbacks in the league, had success last season against players such as Seattle’s DK Metcalf, San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel and the Los Angeles Chargers’ Mike Williams.

It’s unclear if Denver would use Surtain to shadow Hill (16 receptions, 255 yards, 3 touchdowns this season). So perhaps we should also include Broncos safety Justin Simmons, a three-time second-team All Pro who tied for the league lead in interceptions last season (six) despite missing five games. Most likely Simmons, who didn’t practice Wednesday due to a hip ailment, will provide coverage on Hill “over the top,” or deep. If Waddle doesn’t play, look for Denver to focus lots of defensive energy on limiting Hill, thereby, according to the Broncos’ thinking, limiting Miami’s offense. 

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel vs. Broncos coach Sean Payton

McDaniel is 2-0 in coaching matchups this season. In the opener he avenged a loss to Chargers coach Brendan Staley from last season, and then he knocked off the GOAT, New England’s Bill Belichick. Now comes Payton, another Super Bowl champion. Judging from last year and this year, McDaniel seems to have a good handle on his team and how to get the best out of his players.

Payton, in his first season with Denver, is still struggling to find those answers. So the youthful McDaniel gets the edge here. One intangible is if Waddle doesn’t play, and Payton limits Hill. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has never played a game without either Hill or Waddle. If Waddle doesn’t play, and Hill is limited by coverage, how does McDaniel respond? Run game? Throwing to tight ends?

Dolphins’ QB-center exchange 

You don’t want to harp on this too much but it likely cost the Dolphins a touchdown against Los Angeles when they lost a fumble on the Chargers’ 3-yard line, and it might have cost them a field goal against New England. The result on the latter, after a two-yard loss on third-and-1 due to the botched snap, was a missed 55-yard field goal attempt.

The most troubling thing is it’s happened in both games, from under center and in the shotgun formation.

Dolphins CB penalties

This is one of those things that isn’t a problem, until it’s a problem. Dolphins cornerbacks have five penalties, and two that were declined.

Cornerback Eli Apple had two pass interference penalties in a three-snap stretch against New England, and they were key in a nine-play, 75-yard drive that allowed the Patriots to cut their deficit to 24-17. Apple also had a defensive holding that was declined by New England. 

Cornerback Xavien Howard had three penalties against Los Angeles and one against New England. He had two pass interference calls in a three-snap stretch in the third quarter against the Chargers, and also got an illegal contact in the fourth quarter. He had a defensive holding penalty against the Patriots.

And Cornerback Kader Kohou had an offside penalty that was declined by the Chargers. Keep an eye on this situation. It can be an equalizer for an underdog such as Denver.