(Photo: BVMSports)
AFC Game Of The Week
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
Dolphins: I know you all saw what they did on Sunday against the Denver Broncos. They dropped a 70 piece extra spicy in a 50 point win! I’ll further elaborate on the last sentence. They scored 70 points en route to a big time lopsided win (see, I look out for people). They needed a shootout at Sofi to get by the Los Angeles Chargers and I absolutely love what I saw from them against the Patriots in week two. Usually, the running game is what sets up the passing attack, but in this instance, they used the passing attack to set up the running game and it worked perfectly. Then, last week, they feasted in their scrimmage against the Broncos. What I took away from the beatdown was everyone got in on the love and they were able to score at ease. I think what makes this more impressive is that the Dolphins were able to do this without Jaylen Waddle who was out with an injury. For the second consecutive year, these Dolphins are 3-0. I always said there was a chance for them to win the division, but it would come down to the health of one Tua Tagovailoa. In other words, this team will go as far as he takes them. This offense is electric and believe me, I’ve seen my share of memorable offenses dating back to the 2007 New England Patriots, 2011 New Orleans Saints, the 2013 Denver Broncos and even the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs. The first thing you immediately notice is the speed and how they are able to beat you with pure quickness. Tyreek Hill is a big contribution to this offense. I predicted for him to win Offensive Player of the Year this season and so far, he’s making me look good. It’s also time to start giving Mike McDaniel his love too because he’s settling in nicely as a Head Coach. On Sunday, they’ll return to where their season ended last year.
Bills: They’ve been able to turn the page nicely after a tough week one loss to the Jets. Against the Raiders in week two, they got back to the basics and won their first game of the year. Last week however, they stepped it up several notches in a 34-point beatdown of the Washington Commanders. I remember a few years ago during the Wild Card round, I stated that win over the Patriots in the postseason was the best they’ve looked under Sean McDermott. I can now add this performance in Landover in week three. You always expect the Bills offense to outscore and outplay you. In this instance on Sunday, all they had to do was remain in control and take care of the football. Yes, Josh Allen threw that one interception, but was clean throughout the game and once again, James Cook was the leading rusher! I’ll continue to celebrate this until they get away from it. Have the Buffalo Bills turned the page and finally become balanced football team dare I say? What really stood out to me was the defense. I had to stand up and give them a standing ovation with Cole Johnson the other day because they were absolutely brilliant. They intercepted Sam Howell four times first and most importantly, Buffalo recorded nine sacks. They were flying to the football as a defense and when they play like this, they’re scary. Just imagine if they played this way and Von Miller was on the field. I’ve seen them play with a mean streak lately and I’ve enjoyed seeing it. They return home Sunday for their biggest game of the year thus far.
Dolphins X-Factor: Bradley Chubb– I know he had a tough time staying healthy at one point. Prior to him coming into the league, Bradley’s upside was extremely high. He’s a game wrecker and has shown you he will dominate if you don’t circle in on him. Bradley’s power is incredible and he has a way of beating blockers with more than one move. You think he’s going to bullrush you, nope! He can give you a spin move too! The Bills must handle him on Sunday or it could be a long day at the office.
Bills X-Factor: Gabe Davis:- He had a ton of hype entering last season after his monster game in the divisional playoffs a few years ago against the Kansas City Chiefs. Many have asked why aren’t the Bills attempting to get another receiver to play alongside Stefon Diggs? That’s simple because they have him. Gabe isn’t the quickest, but he always seems to be in the right place at the right time. Was he disappointing last year? You can say that, but I attribute that more so to the Offensive Coordinator if anything because a majority of their play calls were to Diggs and Knox. Get this kid going because he can be impactful.
Three Things I’m Watching
1. Encore– These two played in three very memorable games last year. The first was in Florida and the Dolphins beat the Bills. This was also the game where Josh threw the ball a total of 63 times. They met in Orchard Park in December and the Bills escaped with the win. Weeks later, they met in the Wild Card round of the playoffs and Buffalo was able to prevail. I think we’re in for another close game between these two on Sunday.
2. Strength Facing Strength– We have the number one offense in the league against one of the best defenses featured in this one. This Dolphins offense has been absolutely amazing the first three weeks of the season. As many have been saying, this is a real life Madden offense and I can’t disagree with it. I’m just happy to see Tua healthy and on the field. On the other side, the Bills are allowing 11.7 points per game which is second in the league. I can’t wait to see how this all unfolds.
3. East’s Finest– These are the two to watch for in the AFC East. Unfortunately, the Jets took a step back after Aaron’s unfortunate injury and the Patriots are just average at best. This is a heavyweight showdown in the division and this is a rivalry that dates back years and years. To the 60’s and the AFL days to be exact. These two know each other very well and both will decide who finishes atop the division.
Final Thoughts: I’ve been waiting to give my thoughts on this one and here we are! This game should be as good as advertised. This Dolphins offense is averaging 43 points per game. That’s unbelievable. Tyreek Hill has become one of the best offensive weapons that’s not a Quarterback. He’s so shifty with the football in his hands and is such a difference maker on the field. If I’m the Bills offense, he’s earning everything underneath. Look for Buffalo to run many single high looks with man coverage underneath and the Safety play high up top. This is a prime opportunity for the Dolphins because they’ve yet to overtake the Bills who beat them twice last year, once in the playoffs as I mentioned up top. Can this Bills defense keep up with this offense? The Bills offense can explode for a big play in the passing game with Josh Allen. I want to see if Buffalo will continue to establish James Cook. He’s another key for this game to help keep that Miami offense on the sideline. I like the Bills to assert themselves back at the top of the AFC East with a victory here.
Prediction: Bills 31, Dolphins 28
