Buffalo Bills: 3 keys to victory against the Miami Dolphins in Week 13

BuffaLowDown’s DJ Eberle breaks down the Buffalo Bills’ Week 13 matchup at the Miami Dolphins, including the three keys to the game.

With Josh Allen back under center this past weekend, the Buffalo Bills put together one of their most well-rounded performances of the season.

Facing the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, the Bills have yet another winnable game on tap.

The Miami offense doesn’t scare you, and neither should the defense.

Each week during the regular season this column will provide the three ways the Bills can secure a victory. So, without further ado, here are the “Three Keys to Victory” for the matchup against the Dolphins.

Run the ball

While the Bills have had trouble running the ball for much of the season, Sunday is an opportunity to get back on track.

The Dolphins bring the 29th-ranked defense against the run into the Week 13 matchup. LeSean McCoy and Co. should have plenty of opportunities to do damage on the ground.

I’d even expect to see a couple more designed runs for Allen.

While you don’t always like your quarterback running the ball, there’s no denying how dangerous Allen is with his legs. The Bills should use that to their advantage. For now.

If the Bills can establish the run, things will open up in the passing game and Allen will be able to take some more deep shots.

Take away Kenyan Drake and Frank Gore

The Miami offense really only has one weapon: Kenyan Drake. And even Drake has struggled this season.

It’s why Frank Gore has been featured so much this season.

But if the Bills can take away Drake – and Gore – and the running game, they’ll be in good shape. Ryan Tannehill has historically struggled against the Bills and this is the best Buffalo defense he will have faced.

After struggling to stop the Jaguars on the ground a week ago, the Bills need to bounce back in that area this week.

While the Dolphins offensive line has played well at times this season – Laremy Tunsil, Ja’Wuan James and Jake Brendel all have Pro Football Focus grades over 65 – there is a hole in the interior. This could be a big game for Kyle Williams, Star Lotulelei and Harrison Phillips.

Not to mention, the Dolphins had four offensive linemen show up on the injury report this week: Tunsil, James, Travis Swanson and Spencer Larsen.

Negate Cameron Wake’s pass rush

The Dolphins have one true threat on defense: Defensive end Cameron Wake.

And Jordan Mills is the man held responsible for Wake this week. It will be a very tall task for Mills.

In fact, Wake recorded 2.5 sacks in two games against Mills a season ago.

That’s why, at any opportunity, Mills will need some help.

Whether it’s Logan Thomas, Jason Croom or McCoy helping before they run their routes, Mills should get help whenever possible.

Prediction: Bills 27, Dolphins 14

The Buffalo defense is too talented for the Dolphins to get anything going offensively.

This is also a matchup that should allow Allen to take another step forward. It could be Allen’s best game as a passer yet.