Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins; game preview, odds, predictions
By Corey Leahy
PREVIEW: Another one of the week 7 match ups will be a battle in the AFC East between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. The Bills sit at 2-4 on the season, and are currently in last place in the division, while the Dolphins are in second place with a 3-2 record.
Buffalo’s quarterback situation has been in shambles since rookie E.J. Manuel’s knee injury. Currently behind center is Thad Lewis, an inexperienced quarterback who will be making his second start for the Bills against his hometown team. They recently picked up ex-Raider Matt Flynn due to Lewis’ recent foot injury, however, it doesn’t seem like he will be starting the game.
However, where they lack in quarterback skill at the moment, they make up for in running. Buffalo currently ranks 3rd in the league in rushing, which is something to be noted. CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson have given the Bills a 148.0 yard/game average this season. They are obviously a force to be reckoned with.
For the Dolphins, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been having an impressive year so far, thanks in part to wide receivers Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline stepping up. Their defense has also helped them stay above .500 on the season, despite losing their last two games. They are very good against the run, which looks like it will pose a problem for Buffalo’s tandem of running backs.
ODDS: Dolphins are 9 point favorites for this game.
PREDICTION: Dolphins 26, Bills 16
Even though Buffalo has a good pass-rush, I don’t think they’ll be able to stop Tannehill as much as they think they will. Coming off a bye will definitely help Miami, as they have had an extra week to prepare for this game. I also think with Thad Lewis’ injury situation, Buffalo’s offense will not be very effective.
I think Miami moves to 4-2, and Buffalo stays in last place with their third loss in three weeks. I personally don’t see Thad Lewis playing the whole game if he ends up starting with this foot injury; Miami’s defense is going to put a lot of pressure on him.