By: Monte Perez
Wild Card Weekend (9-8) Miami Dolphins @ (13-3) Buffalo Bills:
When: Sunday, January 15th, 1 PM Eastern
TV: CBS
Betting line: Bills are favored by 11 points.
#FinsUp:
The Dolphins come into this game as the walking wounded. Running back Raheem Mostert has a hurt thumb and Tua Tagovailoa is questionable because of concussion protocols. Miami is uncertain about backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who did not play against the Jets after sustaining a dislocated finger against the Patriots. The Dolphins have over 10 players listed as questionable for their playoff matchup.
It’s been a roller coaster year for rookie coach Mike McDaniel. Miami started the season 8-3 before losing 5 straight games. They had a lackluster performance against the Jets winning 11-6. They clinched a playoff spot after New England lost to Buffalo. Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr are averaging 4.9 and 4.7 yards per carry as a 1-2 punch. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle can take over a quarter, a half or an entire game. The two combined for 194 receptions, 15 touchdowns and over 3,000 receiving yards. Defensively this team has talent to make plays but they have not put it all together. They are giving up 23.5 points per game which is ranked 24th and 234 passing yards per contest which is ranked 27th.
#BillsMafia:
The entire nation received great news this week regarding Damar Hamlin and his recovery. There is no doubt the city of Buffalo is playing with a heavy heart. The Bills are also playing with a ton of skill position players as well. Josh Allen completed 63% of his passes, had 42 total touchdowns, and 4,283 passing yards. Stefon Diggs continues to be one of the best wide receivers in football. He had 108 receptions, 14 touchdowns and 1,429 yards on the year. The Bills with Allen use running backs by committee. They averaged 5.2 yards per rushing attempt this season. The Bills defense is only letting up 18 points per game that is 2nd in the NFL and only giving up 337.1 yards per contest. That is ranked 7th. This defense can intimidate and impose its will on opposing quarterbacks.
Prediction:
They say on any given Sunday, any team can win… Not this Sunday. Even if Tua plays, he will be rusty and won’t be able to get his timing and rhythm. This is going to be a long day for Miami.
Bills Roll here
34…16
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