2014 Season Predictions: Fourth Quarter; Wheeler Ruled OUT Sunday

Alrighty, we've reached the finale of our 2014 season predictions. Does Miami have a strong finish in them? Or do they fold in dramatic fashion YET again?

Here we go:


Week 14:

Baltimore Ravens

All time record against: 5-6

When was the last time Miami beat Baltimore? HINT: Cleo Lemon was their QB. That's right, the epic 2007 battle when an OT Dolphins win in December was their FIRST of the season. Why has it been so long? Well, the Dolphins just don't matchup well with this team. However, this isn't the same Baltimore team Miami is used to facing, and I think with a wildcard spot on the line, at home, the Fins should get it done here.

OUTCOME: WIN


Week 15:

New England Patriots

All time record against: 51-46

New England? In December? Yikes. The last time Miami won in those conditions? 2006. Yeah, I don't think so.

OUTCOME: LOSS


Week 16: 

Minnesota

All time record against: 7-4

Love this matchup for the Dolphins. Stopping Adrian Peterson is no easy task, but if this defense can contain him, then Miami should roll to their eighth win.

OUTCOME: WIN


Week 17:

New York Jets

All time record against: 46-50-1

Deja vu, anyone? Season on the line, wild card on the line, at home, against the stinkin' Jets. Haven't we seen this movie before? I think this ending FAVORS the Dolphins. Come on, there's NO WAY this team burns us twice...right? Gulp.

OUTCOME: WIN


Fourth Quarter record: 3-1

FINAL RECORD: 9-7

WHEELER RULED OUT FOR SUNDAY

The final injury report came out for both teams today, and WLB Philip Wheeler has been ruled out for Sunday's game with a thumb injury.

Wheeler has been limited in practice all week, and apparently is not ready to go. In his place expect a combination of Jelani Jenkins, Jason Trusnik, and Chris McCain.

What does this mean? Well, it's no secret that I'm not Wheeler's biggest fan. He is, however, a blitz specialist, so Miami will have to find other ways to attack Brady. As for everything else? Well, if you remember, Wheeler was pulled from last year's Patriots game for poor coverage.

So it's really not going to be that much of a difference this time around.

As for the rest of the injury report:

Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski are QUESTIONABLE for the Patriots... Yeah, okay, whatever you say, Bill.

For Miami, Billy Turner is doubtful with a toe injury, while S Walt Aikens (hand), LB Koa Misi (shoulder), CB Jamar Taylor (hip), and LB Chris McCain (hip) are all probable.

A lot of good stuff coming for you tomorrow, including our first picks and predictions segment of the season.

TWO. DAYS.