Sunday, September 14, 2014

Week 2 picks: Dolphins at Bills

BY EDITOR

Publisher Nick St. Denis, associate editor Dan Begnoche and senior writer Sean Donovan pick the Week 2 AFC East bout in Western New York between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.

Dan's take:
While both team's are coming off impressive Week 1 victories, Miami's linebacking unit is already running on fumes after the loss of Dannell Ellerbe for the season and now Koa Misi for the team's matchup in Buffalo. Couple that with an ailing Philip Wheeler, and the pressure is on the Dolphins' front four now to slow down a dangerous Bills rushing attack, which helped balance the E.J. Manuel-led offense last week. Keep an eye on the matchup between Seantrel Henderson and Cameron Wake, however, as Wake is more than capable of turning the tables on his own.
Prediction: Bills 23, Dolphins 17

Sean's take:
The Dolphins sprang the upset in Week 1 on the strength of their running game, but this week will be more indicative of how much Miami's offensive line has actually improved in that area from a year ago. Buffalo boasts one of the league's stoutest defensive fronts, and the secondary showed its ability by slowing down an explosive Bears passing attack last week. Fueled by a crowd thrilled to now know its team will be in Western New York for the long haul, the Bills show that they still have the Dolphins' number in a close one.
Prediction: Bills 17, Dolphins 16


Nick's take:
Not sure about this one. Both the Bills and Dolphins exceeded most expectations last week in their respective upset victories, and I want to give the edge to the home team and the better defensive front here given its toss-up nature. However, the Dolphins gave Tom Brady hell last week and could do much more damage against EJ Manuel. So I'll go with that.
Prediction: Dolphins 20, Bills 17 (OT)

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