Overall record after week 10: 4-5
All-time record against: 56-39-1
Thursday night football here for the Fins as they play their only primetime game of the season in week 11. It's always a fun time when these two get together as, much like the Jets and Fins, they have a genuine dislike for one another. The Bills made one of the big offseason moves of the year in signing DE Mario Williams to help a defense ranked 26th in the league last season, and he figures to be a force in this game, along with the other 15. If Miami wants to win this game the offensive line must not let Williams get to rookie QB Ryan Tannehill, and they must stay consistent with that throughout all four quarters.
Along with containing Williams, offensively, the Fins must establish the passing game early on. If you remember, last season Reggie Bush had a career game in Buffalo, rushing for over 200 yards and a season long 76 yard touchdown run. In order to get Bush going, Ryan Tannehill has to get in a rhythm early on and beat the Bills through the air, forcing them to open up the running lanes for Bush. Again, keeping Tannehill on his feet will be crucial in this one.
Defensively, Miami dominated the Bills in both contests last season. Ryan Fitzpatrick was picked off multiple times in both games, and the running duo of Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller was shut down in both contests. Sean Smith must keep Steve Johnson at bay, while the Fins defensive line has to not only pressure Fitzpatrick, who has a tendency to force throws, but also keep and eye on C.J. Spiller out of the backfield, especially on short screen passes.
Overall, I expect this to be a close contest for all four quarters. However, this is a November primetime game in Buffalo, and to add to that it's Ryan Tannehill's first night game. I think the Fins could win this game, and I could definitely see myself changing this pick when game day comes, but right now, something tells me the Bills have the edge.
Final: Dolphins 20 Bills 21
Overall record after week 11: 4-6
All-time record against: 9-4
Another battle of rookie QB's in this one as Russell Wilson and the Seahawks travel across country in week 12, emphasis on the "across country." I always get a good feeling when the Hawks come to Miami, based solely on the fact that they historically perform bad on the east coast. In the last three seasons, in games played outside of the west coast, the Seahawks are 4-12, including the playoff loss two seasons ago in Chicago. This is good news for the Miami Dolphins going into this game, especially since I have them coming off two tough losses.
Offensively, the Dolphins are going to have a tall order in this game. Seattle's defense ranked 9th in the league a season ago; 11th against the pass, and 15th against the rush. Speaking of the running game, it's a good thing Mike Sherman and Joe Philbin run an offense that doesn't center around it, because I believe the Hawks are a team poised to be a run stopping machine this season. This starts with defensive lineman Brandon Mebane, who led all NFC interior linemen with 56 tackles last year. I expect to see Ryan Tannehill throwing the ball a lot in this game, and he's going to have to perform well in order for the Fins to be successful, because I just don't see the points coming from anybody else.
Defensively, creating turnovers will be key for the Dolphins in this game, as it is for every game. Winning the turnover battle, and in turn the field position battle, is a must for both teams as I expect a low scoring game. Pressuring Russell Wilson will be key, but it could also be the downfall if not approached with caution. Wilson can create big plays with his feet, and if the Fins leave the field open then he could have some big plays. However, I think the Dolphins have to roll the dice with Wilson, because Marshawn Lynch can be just as much of a pain on the ground. I expect defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle to emphasize stopping the run early on, and force the rookie QB to either win or lose the game for the Seattle offense.
Overall, these are two teams that are very even defensively, and have two rookie QB's at the helm. I believe both defenses will focus on stopping the run and force each QB to pick up the slack. This figures to be a low scoring game, and going on that assumption, tossed in with the game being played in Miami, I'll give the edge to the Fins.
Final: Seahawks 13 Dolphins 17
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