Bills vs. Dolphins: Three keys to victory in the 2018 finale
By DJ Eberle
BuffaLowDown’s DJ Eberle breaks down the Buffalo Bills’ Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, including the three keys to the game.
Finally.
A game that features the Buffalo Bills as the favorite.
It’s been a rough season for the Bills but a home matchup with the lowly Miami Dolphins could be the perfect way to end the 2018 campaign and jumpstart things moving forward.
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.
Attack the outside
Josh Allen needs a bounce-back game. And a matchup against the Dolphins is the perfect opportunity.
To date, Allen’s Week 13 tilt against the Dolphins has been one of the rookie quarterback’s best performances of his young career. He accounted for almost 400 yards between the air and ground and would have walked away with a nice come-from-behind win if it wasn’t for a dropped Charles Clay pass in the end zone as time expired.
While Miami’s safety play has been solid this year, Allen will have opportunities to attack the corners. Torry McTyer and Bobby McCain both rank outside the top 90 in cornerback rankings on Pro Football Focus.
Robert Foster could have another big day and Zay Jones could have some opportunities when he lines up on the outside in two-receiver sets.
Protect Josh Allen
Speaking of that drop by Clay, if Allen isn’t running for his life in the backfield, he probably gets off a much better pass to the open tight end.
If that’s the case, it’s likely an easy catch.
It’s no secret how much the offensive line has collectively struggled this season. And if the Dolphins do one thing well, it’s the play of their defensive line.
Both Robert Quinn and Davon Godchaux have had impressive seasons for Miami and will do their best to give Dion Dawkins and Wyatt Teller fits.
Miami features one of the worst run defenses in the league, so if Buffalo can get the ground game going, life will be much easier for Allen and the offensive line when it’s time to throw the ball.
Give Allen time and he’ll be able to tear Miami apart.
Rattle Ryan Tannehill
In what will likely be Ryan Tannehill’s last start in a Miami uniform, expect the veteran quarterback to press a little more than normal.
This is his last shot to leave an impression on teams before he enters what will be a big offseason for himself.
Tannehill already traditionally struggles against the Bills. So if he’s pressing, which I expect he will, he’ll be prone to make more mistakes.
Buffalo should take advantage of this and send an extra defender or two in passing downs.
This has the makings of a multi-interception game for Tannehill.
Prediction: Bills 31, Dolphins 14
The Buffalo offense is in for a big day.
Could this be the game Allen finally throws for 300 yards? Or LeSean McCoy gets back on track?
It very well could be.