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2018 NFL Playoff Watch: Week 15 preview on 6 key games

By Ian Wharton

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 21: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Vikings defeated the Jets 37-17. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 9: Miami Dolphins’ Kenyan Drake (32) heads to the end zone as the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski (87, right) pursues, but can’t stop him from scoring the game-winning touchdown on the last play of the game. Miami stunned New England 34-33. The New England Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins in a regular season NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL on Dec. 9, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – DECEMBER 9: Miami Dolphins’ Kenyan Drake (32) heads to the end zone as the Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski (87, right) pursues, but can’t stop him from scoring the game-winning touchdown on the last play of the game. Miami stunned New England 34-33. The New England Patriots visit the Miami Dolphins in a regular season NFL football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL on Dec. 9, 2018. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /

Dolphins at Vikings

Miami will visit Minnesota in a massive battle for their respective Wild Card battles. Whoever emerges from this game with a victory will receive a sizable boost in their playoff odds. The loser can still recover as long as they receive a little help, but each team will be desperate to avoid that situation.

There’s a lot of attention on the Vikings after they surprisingly fired first-year offensive coordinator John DeFilippo last week. DeFilippo struggled mightily in his time, undoubtedly, but the Vikings’ offensive line play and Kirk Cousins’ struggles creating beyond the initial designed read also affected the offense. The sudden change could make it harder for Miami to prepare as the new play-caller may be inclined to pull out his inner Freddie Kitchens.

Things would be disastrous for the Vikings if they miss out the playoffs. Their roster is solid even with limitations on offense, but Mike Zimmer’s defense hasn’t brought the same intensity and level of execution despite having similar personnel as last year.

They must pressure Ryan Tannehill and use their press-man corners to buy time for their highly talented defensive line to hit him often. Tannehill’s had one of his best seasons yet, especially since returning from injury. His arm strength has improved as his lower body is further removed from his knee surgery, and his shoulder injury had few lingering effects in the last few games.

Where Miami can beat Minnesota is utilizing their speedy weapons to break the aggressive defense. Kenny Stills and Danny Amendola can quickly separate into space, giving Tannehill and the embattled Dolphins’ offensive line a chance to get easy production. From there, Miami must mix-in bunch formations and give DeVante Parker and Brice Butler the occasional deep target.

This is a tougher matchup for Miami based on personnel left after injuries than it may have been if fully healthy. I expect Adam Thielen to have a huge day, and have little faith Miami can adequately protect Tannehill.

Prediction: Vikings 31-17

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