The Dolphins are feeling good after beating the Patriots 27-20 in Week 14, a game which included the interception of two Tom Brady passes. But the Bills are happy to welcome the sun-kissed Miami squad into their blizzard riddled New Era Field, where weather may most certainly swing things their way. On the road this season, Miami is 2-4 straight up and against the spread while the Bills are 5-2 SU and 4-2-1 ATS when playing at home.
The Miami Dolphins are fresh off their season Super Bowl win, beating AFC rival New England, 27-20. The Dolphins offense gained 362 total yards in the win. Quarterback Jay Cutler was 25 of 38 for 263 yards and three touchdowns. More importantly, Cutler protected the ball. He did not have any turnovers in the game. Cutler finished the game with a rating of 112.
Running back Kenyan Drake was the difference maker for Miami on offense. He carried the ball 25 times for 114 yards and no rushing touchdowns in the win. Drake also led the team in rushing last week with five catches for 79 yards. Look for Jay Cutler to play well again this week. He has his confidence and poise at the helm right now. Defensively, the Dolphins are one of the better teams in the NFL this year. Miami picked off Tom Brady twice in last weeks win and limited the GOAT to 24 of 43 passing for 233 yards and one touchdown.
The loss of Rob Gronkowski last game played well for the Miami defense. This week, Miami won’t have to worry about such a top notch offense. If the Dolphins can play similar to how they did against New England, Miami should have no issues limiting the Bills offense. Stopping Shady McCoy will be the biggest task for Miami in this one.
The Buffalo Bills, recently won the “Snow Bowl”. The Buffalo Bills gained 319 yards of offense in the win. Quarterback Nathan Peterman left the game with a leg injury. He passed for 57 yards and one touchdown. Running back LeSean McCoy, ran the ball 32 times for 156 yards and one touchdown. His only touchdown was the game winning score. If not for McCoy the Colts could have stolen a win.
Miami traditionally does not play well in Buffalo. This game will be their first division game of the year against the Bills. Quarterback Nathan Peterman could sit out this game for Bill with a apparent knee injury. If he is unable to go, Joe Webb will take over at the helm. Defensively, the Bills allowed seven points in last weeks win against the Colts, and limited them to 227 total yards last week. This week, expect the Bills to give Miami all they have in playing of a wildcard birth.
Look for the Bills apply pressure on veteran quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler looked like the 2012 version in last weeks win. Don’t expect a lot from him in this weeks matchup. He will be battling the weather in this game.
Writer’s Prediction
Both teams still have a fighters chance to get into the playoff this season via the wildcard birth. Expect this one to come down to the wire. Jay Cutler can’t be trusted in this league. Especially after playing well at home against the Patriots. Buffalo has the home field advantage in this matchup. It will be cold too. Take the Bills to win. Pick: Buffalo Bills (-3.5)
