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NFL Week 12: 5 Can’t-Miss Games With Huge Playoff Implications

By Bryce Olin

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play at the line against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls a play at the line against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Miami Dolphins (6-4) at Denver Broncos (7-3) 

What’s At Stake:

For Denver, this game is for a one-game lead over the Kansas City Chiefs, which could be incredibly important with their upcoming matchup in Kansas City  in Week 13. The Chiefs opened the door for the Broncos to sneak back into the division lead, after suffering that devastating loss to the Oakland Raiders on Thursday.

If Denver loses, they’ll be tied for first with Kansas City at 7-4. If San Diego wins against the Rams, they will also be tied for the division lead with Denver and Kansas City. Technically, Denver would have the tie-breaker based on division record.

For Miami, this game is another step in locking up the Wildcard berth and would tie them with Kansas City, Denver, Pittsburgh, and possibly Cleveland, Baltimore, and San Diego, depending on how this week goes.

Breakdown: 

After losing to the St. Louis Rams 22-7 in Week 11, the Denver Broncos face a much tougher test against an even better opponent without some key players.

Running backs Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman will be out with injuries. Tight end Julius Thomas will be a game-time decision, but likely will not be at full strength even if he does play. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders will play after suffering concussion last week against the Rams.

While Denver has Sanders back, Miami’s defense has been one of the most physical and best overall defenses in the entire league. Miami is only allowing opponents to score 18.0 points per game over the course of the season, and they’re getting after the quarterback with one of the most ruthless defensive lines in the league. The Dolphins have 30.0 sacks on the season, which is the fourth highest total in the league.

If Miami can get their defense going and get pressure on Peyton Manning, this game could be very similar to the Denver-St. Louis game. Denver needs to win the battle upfront for them to have a chance to win the game. If Manning has to run for his life, it’s going to be a long game for the Broncos.

For Miami, they just have to stay the course and hope their defense can slow down Manning.

Last week, the Rams piled up 131 rushing yards on the Broncos and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. Denver’s run defense has been stout the whole season, but they were exposed last week, which allowed St. Louis to control the ball.

If Miami, the sixth-best rushing team in the league, can control the ball through the run game, they’ve got a great chance to win this game. If Ryan Tannehill is forced to make plays with his arm, Denver’s pass rush could be the difference-maker in the game.

Prediction:

Denver 34 Miami 24

Denver has a huge advantage playing at home, even if the weather is less than ideal for Manning.

Next: The NFC West Showdown

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