
How will the Dolphins respond after two consecutive losses and a bye week?
It’s time to reveal my prediction for Sunday’s game between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. I’ve included picks from experts in the media as well. I also encourage each of you post your prediction for the game in the comments section.
Expert predictions
ESPN: 12 of 13 picked Dolphins
NFL Playbook: 2 of 3 picked Dolphins
CBS Sports: 6 of 8 picked Dolphins
Fox Sports: 4 of 4 picked Dolphins
Bleacher Report: 12 of 12 picked Dolphins
My prediction
The Dolphins will be a desperate team on Sunday versus the Bills. At least, they better be.
After consecutive losses, Miami is still sitting in great position to make a playoff push after its bye week, but a third straight loss would be crippling. Losing in general three times in a row would be painful enough for the Dolphins and their fans, but losing to this Bills team would be especially agonizing.
Buffalo is 2-4 on the season, and while they have been competitive in most of their games against some quality competition, they are still a flawed team. The Bills rank near the bottom of the league in passing yards, conceded passing yards and conceded rushing yards per game.
One of the league’s most productive rushing attacks has helped and so has a defense that has had a knack for producing takeaways. But if the Dolphins can’t beat these Bills at home after two weeks to prepare, their 3-0 start to the season will appear as though it was a fluke.
Thad Lewis at quarterback for the Bills is capable, but he’s also inexperienced. And the Dolphins’ defense, even without middle linebacker Dannell Ellerbe, has enough talent to make life difficult for him.
I see Kevin Coyle’s unit returning to form with a healthy Cameron Wake back on the field. The Dolphins should pressure Lewis throughout, and I think they’ll stack the box to limit the effectiveness of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller in the running game on early downs.
Offensively, if the Dolphins don’t turn the football over and can remain somewhat balanced, I don’t see why this shouldn’t be a comfortable win for Joe Philbin’s club. Better pass protection will obviously be crucial as well, but even the status quo might suffice against this opponent.
The Dolphins win by two scores.
THE PICK: Miami 27, Buffalo 13
Alright, let’s see your predictions. Post your final score for Sunday’s game in the comments section.
Dolphins 31 Bills 7. First blowout of the season!
MIAMI 38 BILLS 10! Good for Thad Lewis being from South Florida but he has a rough game vs. Phins! 2 or 3 INTs is my prediction and one is returned for a TD by Grimes!
My dolphin’s win big ,let’s kick ass the rest of the season!! Go dolphin’s