AFC Wild Card
(7) Miami Dolphins at (2) Buffalo Bills
Dolphins: They’ve been an interesting storyline all year long. From the quick 3-0 start and being on top of the AFC East at one point, to the concussion questions surrounding Tua Tagovailoa. Despite that, they’ve been a solid football team for the most part. Their offense has taken that next step, and you have Tyreek Hill to thank for that because he’s elevated the play of everyone around him and given an entire spark to that offense. Remember the people who were saying he wouldn’t succeed without Patrick Mahomes? I think both have done very well on their new paths. I understand around this time of the season, injuries can take a toll on teams. At this point, who isn’t banged up or bruised? That’s been the problem for the Miami Dolphins this year. Tua suffered another concussion on Christmas Day against the Green Bay Packers and for once, the organization played it safe and kept him out for his own good (why couldn’t they do this the first time?) Then, Teddy Bridgewater has been limited after injuring his knee and finger which means third-string Quarterback from Kansas State, Skylar Thompson will be starting for the team now. Are you all ready for another blow? Leading rusher Raheem Mostert broke his thumb in the season finale against the Jets last weekend and is unlikely to suit up. Still, the next man must step up. That’s the mantra in football. Tomorrow afternoon, they’ll make another trip to Orchard Park, New York.
Bills: I couldn’t even imagine how they’re feeling after all that’s transpired. Life for this team changed on the evening of January 3rd, 2023, when Damar Hamlin collapsed and suffered cardiac arrest on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals. Since then, the reports for Damar have been nothing but positive and I’m happy to hear he’s progressing and getting on the right track to recovery. Last Sunday afternoon was their first game since that scary moment in Ohio and the beginning of that game showed why we all love sports so much. On the opening kickoff, Nyheim Hines scored the first touchdown of the game. Now, I’ve seen many games at that stadium, but I truly think that was the loudest I’ve ever heard that place and for good reason. From a regular season standard, these last three years have been successful for the Buffalo Bills. They’ve won the AFC East and have become the best team in that division under Sean McDermott, they’ve established themselves as a true contender and Josh Allen is one of the best Quarterbacks in the league. He’s one of the main reasons this offense is ranked second in scoring. For as strong as they’ve been as of late, they’ve been vulnerable at times. Did any of you think they’d lose to the Jets in November? Or, did you think the Vikings would go into Orchard Park and beat them? They’ve shown their vulnerabilities at times. On Sunday, they will kick off day two of Super Wild Card Weekend.
Dolphins X-Factor: Jeff Wilson– With Mostert likely out of this game, the next man up is Jeff Wilson. Football is all about knowing a coach’s system and Jeff played for Mike McDaniel back in San Francisco when Mike was the Offensive Coordinator for the 49ers. When he got traded to Miami during the regular season, I said on the radio he will fit in perfectly and it won’t take him long to make an impact because he already knows the system.
Bills X-Factor: Gabe Davis– I knew he was going to be more of a factor within the offense this season. Everyone kept saying on social media to go and get a true number two receiver. I said, why? They already have one! When you put too much attention on Stefon Diggs (which is to be expected), Gabe makes you pay on the other side. He’s so crafty with his route running and speedy after the catch. What I also enjoy about him is he’s never afraid to make a big play when his team needs it.
Final Thoughts: These were two entertaining regular season matchups. In week three, the Dolphins upset Buffalo. In that game, Josh threw the ball 63 times which is way too much. Months later in December, the Bills escaped with a three-point victory to beat Miami. Mike McDaniel is known as a sharp offensive minded coach, and he will need to find ways to set Thompson up for success. Watch for the short passes to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Even if Buffalo were to crowd the line, they could take a shot and burn this secondary deep. I expect Skylar to attack this defense with the quick passes. For Buffalo, they must play a perfect, yet clean game of football. The only way the Bills lose this game is if they are sloppy on offense with the ball. Also, keeping Hill and Waddle in check will also be key which is easier said than done because that tandem has torched defensive backfields all season long. In all reality, Buffalo has the advantage in every aspect of the game, especially Quarterback.
Prediction: Bills 35, Dolphins 17
