Sunday, November 25, 2012

Week 12 AFC East game picks: Seahawks at Dolphins

Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche and Sean Donovan pick the Miami Dolphins' home contest against the NFC's Seattle Seahawks.

Nick's take:
Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill is coming off his second straight rookie game, and he'll need to turn it around fast facing a defense that will certainly pin its ears back against the young signal-caller. Miami's once-stout run game has completely fallen off, and the defense has lost the toughness that kept it in games early in the season. Tannehill struggles, and Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch runs wild.
Prediction: Seahawks 20, Dolphins 13

Sean's take:
The Dolphins' offense has been pathetic lately, which is especially concerning because it has been that way against the atrocious defenses of Tennessee and Buffalo. Seattle now brings one of the league's best and most aggressive units to Miami. It's a recipe for a disaster for the Dolphins and will further awaken a franchise with vibrant playoff hopes just three weeks ago.
Prediction: Seahawks 17, Dolphins 6

Dan's take:
Converting third downs may be the key here, as Seattle's defense has struggled in that department to the tune of a 40 percent conversion rate against. If the Dolphins can keep some drives alive while slowing down a Seahawks' offense that currently 26th on third down, they may be able to top the surging Seattle squad that's struggled on the road.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Dolphins 17