Intriguing Game– Week 17
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
Dolphins: They have next in this league. I still remember when everybody kept saying Brian Flores didn’t stand a chance to be a head coach. What I admire is how they didn’t listen to the outside chatter. They blocked it out and remained confident in one another. What a game they played in Las Vegas. When you thought they were down, they found a way to fight back and escape with a close victory. It’s incredible the difference a year can make. Around this time last season, the Miami Dolphins were preparing for the NFL Draft. Now, they’re in the playoff conversation. What’s put this team in the running has been a controlled offense and a defense that has been one of the best in the league this year. They simply thrive off the turnover. With one game left, they are looking to remain in the picture in the AFC.
Bills: When you’ve needed them to pass tests, they’ve done it. I respect them a great deal. Behind Kansas City, I think this is the second-best team in the AFC. Back when they acquired Stefon Diggs, I knew this was the piece to make their offense scarier. Listen, I like Cole Beasley and John Brown, but they don’t consistently put fear into a secondary like a receiver with the caliber of Stefon Diggs. The Buffalo Bills are in a prime position right now. They own the tiebreaker over the Steelers and if the playoffs started today, they’re the two seed in the AFC. I know he may not win MVP, but Josh Allen deserves some consideration for the award. They aren’t in this position without him. On the other side, the defense has played much better over the final month of the season. Now, it’s one more tune-up.
Dolphins X-Factor: Kyle Van Noy– He’s been the leader of this stingy Miami defense. What he learned back during his Patriot days has transferred over nicely here to these Dolphins. I can’t even think of a time when I haven’t seen Kyle swarm to the football. He’s always in the area where the ball may be.
Bills X-Factor: Dawson Knox– This is another one of Josh’s weapons. Dawson is also one of the more underrated tight ends in this league. Outside of Beasley, this is Josh’s other safety valve. I can’t wait to see how the Dolphins secondary tries to limit this target down the field.
Final Thoughts: Both teams are still playing for something. The Dolphins win, they’re playoff-bound along with some other things falling in their favor while Buffalo is still fighting for the two seed in the AFC. Both teams are much different compared to their first meeting. This Dolphins secondary is more disciplined across the board. The matchup I’m watching is these Bills receivers against the Dolphins’ corners. Also, Miami must keep Josh in the pocket. He’s becoming scarier on the move. Can Buffalo keep this offense going?
Prediction: Dolphins 24 Bills 23
