The Miami Dolphins (11-5) are set to clash with the Buffalo Bills (10-6) this Sunday night, in a match carrying historic significance for the franchise. The Dolphins are on the brink of clinching the AFC East for the first time since 2008. For Miami, who reached the playoffs last year, defeating their arch-rival Bills—a team that has historically been a major obstacle—would mark a significant achievement and a clear sign of the franchise’s positive direction. The game, scheduled for the prime-time slot of 8:20 PM on Sunday, raises the question: what should we expect from Miami, and what are the key concerns for the Dolphins entering this game?
Availability
In the NFL, health is a paramount factor. Recently, the Dolphins have been beset by injuries. Key players, including Hill, Waddle, Chubb, and starting tailback Raheem Mostert, have all suffered injuries over the past month, feeling the effects of a grueling season. Earlier, Jaelan Phillips, a top pass rusher for the Dolphins, was sidelined for the season due to a torn Achilles. However, there is good news for Miami: Mostert, Hill, and Waddle were spotted at today’s practice. Coach McDaniel is also optimistic about Robert Hunt’s return, and Jerome Baker is under close observation following a productive week of workouts and practice. If Miami can regain its starting wide receivers and Mostert, and have Hunt bolster the offensive line, their chances of triumphing in this game are strong.
Home Field Advantage
Miami has excelled at home this season, boasting a 7-1 record. As they head into their first home game of 2024, the Dolphins are hopeful of continuing this trend. They exhibit a stark contrast in performance at home versus on the road, particularly during the colder months. Notoriously struggling in cold weather, the Dolphins benefit immensely from not having to confront the Bills in New York’s frigid 25-35 degree Fahrenheit temperatures. Winning at home against Buffalo not only offers a significant advantage but also helps Miami avoid a challenging game against Kansas City in snowy conditions next Sunday. A victory means two consecutive home games for Miami.
Tua vs Allen
This game’s pivotal matchup features quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Josh Allen. Tua, having overcome injury-prone days in Alabama and previous seasons with the Dolphins, started all games this year and earned a Pro Bowl selection as the starting quarterback. His impressive stats include 4,451 passing yards (1st in the league), 28 touchdowns (4th), and 12 interceptions. On the other hand, Bills’ Josh Allen is formidable, with 3,947 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions. The game’s outcome will hinge on which team better protects their star quarterback, allowing them to execute crucial plays. In their first encounter this season in Buffalo, the Bills decisively beat the Dolphins, largely due to Allen’s outstanding performance: 320 yards and four touchdowns, while Tua managed 282 yards, one touchdown, and an interception. To match Allen’s performance, Tua must excel, as Allen has a dominant 10-2 record against Miami, with 34 touchdowns and only seven interceptions.
Vic Fangio Needs to Outcoach Joe Brady
Fangio faces a challenging task this Sunday, starting with containing Josh Allen, who has proven to be a formidable opponent for the Dolphins. Allen’s dual-threat capabilities as a passer and runner—he has gained 457 yards on the ground with a 4.8 YPC average and 15 touchdowns this season—are notable. Additionally, Fangio must contend with James Cook, the NFL’s third-leading rusher with 1,086 yards this season. Miami’s priority is to limit Cook and pressure Allen. With Chubb’s limited role and Phillips’ absence, this is a daunting challenge. Fangio’s strategy must also include curtailing Stefon Diggs‘ impact. Miami’s success will largely depend on interior linemen Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler, who need to suppress Buffalo’s running game and force them into a one-dimensional offense. The outcome may well be determined by the battle between Miami’s 7th-ranked run defense and Buffalo’s 7th-ranked rush defense.
Prediction:
The Bills, visiting Miami, face a Dolphins team rebounding from injuries. Miami has consistently bounced back this season, never losing consecutive games. Playing at home in a nationally televised game with the division title at stake, the Dolphins are expected to be highly motivated. This match, a fierce contest between two skilled teams, will likely be closely contested. However, the nation’s top passing team, Miami, is predicted to edge out the Bills in another nail-biter, securing their first AFC East Title in 16 years.
Dolphins 27
Bills 24
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