Week 13 Dolfan Viewer Guide: Who to Root for

This is potentially a huge week for the Miami Dolphins. For the past month teams have looked at Miami's schedule and saw opportunities for them to jump the Dolphins. They saw San Diego, Detroit, Buffalo, and Denver, and knew they had the chance to gain ground and distance on Miami..

Well, the Dolphins made it through the gauntlet in one piece, and now it's their turn to pounce.

This week is a perfect time to start, because there are playoff implication games everywhere you look in the crowded AFC.

For instance:


Browns @ Bills (1:00, CBS): I never thought this would be an actual sentence, but this is a huge game for the entire AFC. As much as I hate saying it, you have to root for Buffalo here. The Dolphins hold the tie breaking advantage over the Bills, while the Browns are a game up on Miami.

Chargers @ Ravens (1:00, CBS): Another mega game in the AFC. Both teams are a game up on Miami, however, the Dolphins already beat San Diego, and they still play Baltimore next week. What does this mean? Well, I'm not sure. You have to pick your poison here, and ask yourself this: Who scares you more? In looking at the teams, and the remaining opponents, I'd say the Ravens scare me more here. If you have to root for someone, I'd take the Chargers. Either way, the end result here will be good for Miami.

Titans @ Texans (1:00, CBS): Time to put the Texans, mercifully, to bed. Root Titans.

Bengals @ Buccaneers (1:00, CBS): The Bengals are the most Jekyll and Hyde team in the NFL. They're a division leader, but how good are they really? Regardless, root for a Tampa upset here.

Saints @ Steelers (1:00, FOX): Pittsburgh poses a major threat to Miami, as they are a streaky team with a one game lead over the Fins in the wild card. Root for Drew Brees and the Saints to get their act together here.

Patriots @ Packers (4:25, CBS): Miami still has a slim shot at the division. If they are going to have any hope going forward they need a Pats loss here.

Broncos @ Chiefs (8:30, NBC): Kansas City faces a deadly schedule the rest of the way. A loss here could send them into a tailspin, which is huge for the Dolphins. As much as you won't want to after last week, root for Peyton.


Picks and predictions coming up later.