Game by game predictions: Week 11/12 @ Buffalo Bills, vs Seahawks

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    

Game by game predictions: Week 9/10 @ Indianapolis Colts, vs Titans

Overall record after week 8:  3-4

All-time record against:  46-24


It's the battle of the rookie QB's here in week nine as Andrew Luck, the once upon a time presumed future QB in Miami, faces off against the actual future QB in Miami in Ryan Tannehill.  While both these teams have their obvious holes, I believe this could potentially be one of the more exciting games of the year on the Fins schedule, solely based on the two first round QB's going head to head.

On the offensive side of the ball, I believe the Dolphins could potentially be very successful. Yes, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are seasoned veterans, but other than those two, and perhaps Antoine Bethea, then this is a fairly young unit.  Expect Mike Sherman to attack the Colts both through the air and on the ground, as this unit finished last season boasting ranks of 15th and 25th respectively in those categories, and 25th overall.  The one problem Miami could face will come in containing the duo of Freeney and Mathis on the defensive line.  Jake Long can't cover both of them, and Jonathan Martin has looked extremely raw thus far on the right side of the line, which could be a cause for concern not only during this matchup, but the season as a whole.

Defensively, the Fins must rattle Andrew Luck early and often in this one, as the rookie QB otherwise could find a deathly groove that he'll ride the entire game.  I believe the game plan for Miami has to be to completely eliminate the passing game and force Indianapolis to go to the run.  How do they do this?  Two things- shut down WR Reggie Wayne, and don't give Luck time to throw the ball; force him to either throw the ball away or make the wrong decision, which will lead to eventual turnovers.  In doing this the Colts should go to the run, something Miami should be able to contain.

Overall, I like Miami to win this football game.  Both QB's will be on display, and both could play relatively well.  However, I like the Fins defense over the Colts unit, and based on that I like the Dolphins to get their first road win of the year.

Final: Dolphins 24 Colts 21

Overall record after week 9:  4-4

All-time record against:  18-14


Another battle of young QB's here as Jake Locker and the Titans travel to Miami in week 10 to face Tannehill and company.  I expect Tennessee to be very competitive this year, especially on the offensive side of the ball, and could very well be coming into Miami competing for a playoff spot (although their schedule early on is brutal).  With receivers like Kenny Britt, Nate Washington, and rookie Kendall Wright, all Locker has to do is get the ball out of his hands.  Oh yeah, the rookie also has Chris Johnson too if all else fails.  You have to imagine that Ryan Tannehill is just a little jealous of Locker's supporting cast, no?

Offensively, Miami should be able to put up points in this game.  The Titans boasted the league's 18th ranked defense last year, giving up an average of 355 yards per game.  Expect Mike Sherman to spread the ball around and attack the Titans secondary, which is now without CB Cortland Finnegan, and also utilize the rushing attack of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas against a defense that was 24th against the run last season.  The key offensively will be to walk the fine line between finding something that works, and keeping it balanced.  If the run is working then Sherman must stick with it, especially against this unit, but at the same time keep to his roots and pass the ball.

Defensively, I can see this being a tough test for this unit.  Chris Johnson is a player who concerns me with this defense, as they tend to either a) over pursue, or b) tackle poorly.  Either way, Chris Johnson is a breed that thrives on both of those, and if he gets his game going then the Titans will have a field day with this defense.  Containing Johnson, both on the ground and through the air will be a key to winning this football game for the Miami Dolphins.  Which leads me to the second problem this team poses: The receiving core.  Nate Washington, Kenny Britt, and Kendall Wright.  Sean Smith can only cover one guy at a time, and with the rest of this secondary shaky at best from what I've seen, then Locker could have a lot of options when he throws the ball.

Overall, I think this will be a competitive game from both ends, and most likely will go deep into the final quarter.  Defensively, I believe the Fins are a better unit, but may struggle with the weapons the Titans offense poses.  Expect a high scoring game in this one, but I don't know if the Dolphins can quite keep up.

Final: Titans 27 Dolphins 24    

Game by game predictions: Week 6/8 vs St. Louis Rams, @ Jets

Gotta speed it up, time's running out.  Lets do it.

Overall record after week 5:  2-3

All-time record against:  9-2


Could there be a little bad blood in this one with Jeff Fisher back in town after blowing off the Fins in the offseason?  Absolutely.  I expect Miami to come out of the gate hard in this one, especially coming off two straight losses.  The Fins matchup well with the Rams, on both sides of the football, and could potentially pose problems all day for QB Sam Bradford.  St. Louis posted the 31st overall offense last season, and put up a mere 12 points per game on average.  Cameron Wake needs to be a factor in this game and continually pressure Sam Bradford, not allowing him to be comfortable in the pocket.  IF Wake, along with the likes of Jared Odrick and Randy Starks, find themselves in the backfield for a majority of the day, then expect good things out of this Dolphin defense.

Offensively, this could be the break out game for the Dolphins rushing attack.  The Rams, while ranking in the top 10 last season against the pass, ranked second to last against the rush, giving up over 150 yards a game on average.  Expect Mike Sherman to game plan with this in mind, utilizing the duo of Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas (and even Lamar Miller) early and often, and then letting the rookie QB take advantage of open passing lanes.

Overall, I love this matchup for the Miami Dolphins.  If they can continually put pressure on QB Sam Bradford, and take advantage of the Rams rush defense to open up the field for Ryan Tannehill, then I believe they can put on a good show for the Dolphin faithful at home.

Final: Rams 16 Dolphins 28


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Overall record after week 7:  3-3

All-time record against:  44-48-1


Second meeting of the year between these two teams, and I can see this being a tougher test for the Fins then back in week three.  Why?  The location.  The Fins have struggled in the past in New Jersey, and I don't expect that to change in 2012.  Ryan Tannehill will be facing one of the better defenses in the NFL, and unlike week three, he doesn't have the crowd on his side if he makes a mistake.  The rookie QB's composure will be tested this week like no other, and how Tannehill responds to adversity will directly impact how this game unfolds.  Expect Rex Ryan to throw every blitz in the playbook at the Dolphins offensive line, from every angle, on every down, and as often as possible.  This could be problematic for an already shaky offensive line, and if they don't protect Tannehill for the majority of the night then the rookie could seriously struggle.

Defensively, I expect the Fins to contain the Jets QB "duo" of Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow.  CB Sean Smith must stick with embattled, yet still gifted, WR Santonio Holmes, while the Fins linebacking core must, MUST, contain TE Dustin Keller.  If Sanchez has time to throw, then expect him to look to Keller early and often, which, as I've said before, could be a problem for the Fins defense considering their track record with tight ends.  One more person not to forget about:  RB Shonn Greene.  The fourth year running back out of Iowa has a tendency to put up big games when you're least expecting it, and if the Dolphins overlook Greene then this could be one of those games.

Overall, I have a bad feeling about this game.  I know I picked the Fins to beat the Jets earlier in the season, but that one was in Miami.  This one, unfortunately, is not.  That, and that alone, gives the Jets an edge in this football game.

Final: Dolphins 13 Jets 20

Game by game predictions: Week 5 @ Cincinnati Bengals

Overall record after week 4:  2-2

All-time record against: 14-5


Another tough road test here for the Dolphins as they travel to Paul Brown Stadium for an early Fall matchup with the Bengals.  The last time these two met was Halloween 2010, when the then Chad Henne/Tony Sparano led Fins left Cincinnati with a 22-14 victory.  These two teams have changed drastically since then, with Andy Dalton and A.J. Green taking Cincinnati by storm last season, and Ryan Tannehill at the helm for the Fins this season.

Offensively, Miami will be facing a defense that ranked 7th in the NFL last season, with a secondary led by Safety Reggie Nelson, who led the team with four interceptions last season.  Ryan Tannehill must learn to look off Nelson, and all other safeties for that matter, in order for the Fins to be successful in this ballgame.  If he struggles to do so, and many rookie QB's do, then Nelson and the rest of the Bengals secondary could pose serious problems for the Dolphins offense throughout the day.  Another issue for the Fins will be Bengals defensive line, which was a big part of their success a season ago.  Cincinnati recorded 45 sacks last year, with Geno Atkins leading the way with 7.5 in his breakout season. But only two other Bengals had at least six sacks—Jonathan Fanene with 6.5 and Michael Johnson with six.  The fins MUST contain Atkins if they want to give Tannehill a chance to be successful.

Defensively, I believe the Fins actually matchup well with the Bengals, with the exception of one position that they always, ALWAYS, seem to struggle with: Tight End.  Jermaine Gresham, when healthy, can pose problems for any defense, much less the Miami D.  The one thing the Fins have going for them is their defensive coordinator, Kevin Coyle, who coached the Bengals secondary for the past 11 seasons up to this year.  Coyle knows the Bengals better than anyone, and should have this unit ready for anything Dalton and company throw their way.  Karlos Dansby and Kevin Burnett will be the keys for Miami throughout the game, as they will be the ones tasked to cover Gresham, and if they can contain him for the majority of the game, along with Sean Smith on the outside covering A.J. Green, then the Fins will be O.K. defensively.

Overall, this is ultimately a tough road test for this young group.  The Bengals are coming off a playoff season in 2011, and have only gotten stronger.  The offense figures to be a problem for Miami if they can't cover Jermaine Gresham, and the defensive secondary for Cincinnati could give Ryan Tannehill fits if he doesn't learn to look of Reggie Nelson.  That, combined with a relentless pass rush and back to back road trips could lead to problems for the Miami Dolphins.

Final: Dolphins 16 Bengals 24  

Game by game predictions: Week 4 @ Arizona Cardinals; Dolphins to release QB David Garrard

Overall record after week 3:  2-1

All-time record against:  8-2


Interesting matchup here in week four for the Miami Dolphins as, like the Dolphins, the Cardinals are a team with a lot of uncertainty.  They clearly don't like Kevin Kolb as journeyman John Skelton was once again named the team's starter, and, unlike opposing QB Ryan Tannehill, Skelton has an established elite receiver in Larry Fitzgerald.  This, to me, should be the biggest concern for the Dolphins going into this game.  The defense has struggled in years past with elite receivers like Fitzgerald, Andre Johnson, and Randy Moss, and if that trend is continued here then expect a long day on the defensive side of the ball.

Another problem Miami will face in this one will be the rushing duo of Beanie Wells, and Ryan Williams.  Wells posted his first 1,000 yard season last year and could benefit from so much attention being put on Larry Fitzgerald and the passing game.  The Dolphins must not get sucked in and become one dimensional towards the pass or Beanie Wells could put up big numbers.

Offensively, Ryan Tannehill and company could be hit or miss, much like the Arizona defense is, in this one.  The unit features playmakers such as safety Adrian Wilson, linemen Calais Campbell and Darnell Dockett, underrated inside linebacker Daryl Washington and an athletic young cornerback in Patrick Peterson.  However, this unit, which basically returns all but one starter from last season, ranked 18th overall a year ago, and 21st against the run.  Expect Mike Sherman to try and expose that early on here with Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas, while also using Ryan Tannehill to open up the running lanes with some early passing.

Overall, this game could go either way for the Fins.  The Arizona offense benefits from a balanced rushing attack with Beanie Wells, and a deep passing threat with Larry Fitzgerald.  The Fins will struggle to contain both of these throughout the game, but I believe must put more of their focus on keeping Fitzgerald contained.  The Miami offense could potentially put up points in this one, depending on which Arizona defense shows up, and must utilize both the running and passing games.  However, as I said before, the defense has always struggled with big time receivers, and unfortunately here, they have one of the biggest to go up against.

Final: Dolphins 21 Cardinals 27

[Update:  According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, the Dolphins are expected to release veteran QB David Garrard today.  The team has so far kept four QB's, but it was highly unlikely they were going to continue on with that, and with Garrard's health an issue this move shouldn't be unexpected.]

Game by game predictions: Week 3 vs New York Jets

Overall record after week two: 1-1

All-time record against:  44-48-1


Always a fun week when the Jets come to town, and this year is no exception.  When these two last met, it was the Fins who beat Gang Green, 19-17, to knock the Jets out of playoff contention last January.  While the stakes won't be as high here, don't expect it to show on the field.  The Jets are a football team filled with more drama than a daytime soap opera, with most of it centered around backup QB, and wildcat extraordinaire Tim Tebow.  At this point in the season, who knows who'll be behind center for the Jets, it could very well be Tebow (which would be GREAT for the Fins).

Offensively, this could very well be the toughest test of the year for Ryan Tannehill and company as the Jet defense, as always, will be menacing.  Two key additions in the secondary, former Dolphin Yeremiah Bell, and safety LaRon Landry will only add fuel to a defense that ranks near the top five every year, especially with names like Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie at the corners.  Expect Ryan Tannehill to struggle early on in this one, and one can only hope he figures out this defense early enough to put points on the board.

Defensively, the Dolphins should thrive.  Mark Sanchez struggled last January against this defense, and really, not much has changed.  The only noticeable change offensively for the Jets since the last time these two met lie within two people:  Tim Tebow, and Tony Sparano, the former Fins head coach turned Jets OC.  Expect to see Sparano throw everything in the play book at his former team, including a heavy dosage of the Wildcat.  Don't be surprised to see Sparano go to it early and often, as it could very well be the best chance for the Jets to score points.  As long as Miami doesn't over pursue and allow Tebow to beat them deep, then it should be fairly easy to contain.

Overall, expect a low scoring one here in week three between these two rivals.  Both offenses have their holes, and both struggle to get in the endzone, so I expect the two defenses to shine.  The question will come down to which offense can adjust better, and which defense can stay off the field longer.

Final: Jets 13 Dolphins 16

Full list of Miami Dolphins cuts (with updated depth chart)

Today was Black Friday in the NFL; the day known as "moving day."  The day where over 700+ players' dreams were cut short around the league.

The day every NFL roster is trimmed down to 53 players by the 9 pm deadline.

The Miami Dolphins cut 21 players today, and are expected to hit the waiver wire hard tomorrow in search of CB and WR depth, as well as possibly making a trade or two.

Here is the full list of the 21 players who were cut, and the current depth chart as of tonight:


Waived - DT Isaako Aaitui, CB Vince Agnew, DT Ryan Baker, OT Will Barker, OG Chandler Burden, LB Cameron Collins, WR BJ Cunningham, OG Ray Feinga, WR Jeff Fuller, WR Clyde Gates, WR Chris Hogan, CB Quinten Lawrence, LB Shelly Lyons, OT Andrew McDonald, OT Lydon Murtha, S Anderson Russell, WR Roberto Wallace, LB Jamaal Westerman.

LB Gary Guyton had his contract terminated, which means he doesn't have to go through the waiver wire because of his status as a veteran.

Rooke DE Jarrell Root was waived/injured (right leg injury from Wednesday's game), and CB Kevyn Scott was waived with an injury settlement.


The current depth chart:


Offense

Quarterback - Ryan Tannehill (R), Matt Moore, David Garrard, Pat Devlin
Tailback - Reggie Bush, Daniel Thomas, Lamar Miller (R), Steve Slaton, Marcus Thigpen
Fullback - Jorvorskie Lane (R)
Receivers - Davone Bess, Brian Hartline, Legedu Naanee, Marlon Moore, Richard Matthews (R)
Tight end - Anthony Fasano, Charles Clay, Michael Egnew (R), Jeron Mastrud
Offensive tackles - Jake Long, Jonathan Martin (R), Will Yeatman
Offensive guard - Richie Incognito, Artis Hicks, John Jerry, Nate Garner
Centers - Mike Pouncey, Josh Samuda (R)

Defense

Defensive end - Cameron Wake, Jared Odrick, Olivier Vernon (R), Derrick Shelby (R)
Defensive tackles - Paul Soliai, Randy Starks, Tony McDaniel, Kheeston Randall (R)
Outside linebackers - Kevin Burnett, Koa Misi, Jason Trusnik, Josh Kaddu (R), Jonathan Freeny
Inside linebackers - Karlos Dansby, Austin Spitler
Cornerbacks - Sean Smith, Richard Marshall, Nolan Carroll
Safeties - Reshad Jones, Chris Clemons, Jimmy Wilson, Tyrone Culver
Special teams
Kicker - Dan Carpenter
Punter - Brandon Fields
Returners - Lamar Miller, Rishard Matthews, Marcus Thigpen, Reggie Bush, Steve Slaton

Defensive tackle Isaako Aaitui, receivers Jeff Fuller and Chris Hogan, offensive linemen Andrew McDonald and Chandler Burden, and safety Anderson Russell could all be re-signed to the practice squad, if they clear waivers. Each of those players participated in Friday's practice despite being released.

(Courtesty of the South Florida Sun Sentinel)

One more practice note- WR Brian Hartline practiced for the first time in months today, and reports are that he looked and felt really good.  This is GREAT news for the Dolphins, for obvious reasons, and with the receiving core cut down to five after today's cuts expect GM Jeff Ireland to add to the position via a trade or waiver wire as soon as possibly tomorrow.