Dolphins Ending Their Playoff Drought Begins in Buffalo

December 17, 2013 by Gary Gaurav

NFL Betting – Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills

An inconsistent running game, a nationally televised scandal, an indefinitely suspended lineman and a five year playoff drought can be wiped away if the Miami Dolphins take care of business over the next two weeks. Fresh off of a dramatic victory over the seemingly indomitable New England Patriots, the Dolphins must shift their focus. This Sunday the Dolphins play a dangerous divisional foe in the Buffalo Bills who will be more than willing to spoil the Dolphins’ season.

Buffalo Bills

Their challenge with the 5-9 Bills – who are already eliminated from playoff contention – will not to be taken lightly. The Dolphins will certainly have their hands full as they will have to travel to Buffalo and deal with the Bills 4th ranked running attack consisting of multi-rushing monsters C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson. Both backs will challenge the 22nd ranked Dolphins rushing defense, and with snow predicted in the Sunday forecast, expect the Bills to run early and often.

Miami Dolphins

However, this is a game that the 8-6 Dolphins are favored and expected to win. Miami is currently listed as a -2.5 favorite, and many experts are pegging them for a victory. This could add some pressure on a Miami team desperate for postseason play. The Dolphins haven’t been in the playoffs since the 2008-09 season and they know that two more victories in their last two games will guarantee them a playoff position in the AFC conference. However, the Dolphins should be careful of a team that already defeated them 23-21 back in October.

For the Bills, a welcoming win over the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars is still not enough to boost enthusiasm in greater Buffalo. Reports from the Buffalo News have stated that the Bills’ final home game of the year will be blacked out due to over 16,000 tickets being unsold. That aside, the Bills still have plenty to play for with emerging first-year quarterback E.J. Manuel playing motivated football. After leading his team to victory last week, Manuel would be eager to prove to Buffalo Bills’ executives and coaches that he is the franchise quarterback for the future. Sporting a 77.7 QB rating, Manuel knows that if he plays very well to end the season, his resume would improve and solidify his standing as starting quarterback going into next year.

With a blacked out game and another losing season adding to their 14-year playoff drought, it isn’t expected for the Bills to put up a tremendous fight against the playoff bound ‘Fins. The Bills are currently selected as 9th in the NFL draft standings and it may be in their best interest to get as high of a draft pick as possible. A motivated Dolphins team should pull away with this victory on the road, getting closer and closer to their postseason goals.