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Every game against Miami is tough, especially in their stadium with their defense allowing the least amount of points in the league. Back to back division losses leaves the Bills in a must win situation and the Bills have nobody to blame but themselves. Now they have to deliver. There will be plenty of motivation as an 0-3 record in the division will be a huge hole to dig out of. If that wasn't enough Thurman Thomas threw gasoline on the fire with his comments earlier in the week. With everything surrounding the game, it makes an already great rivalry, even greater.
Facts and Figures
| Matchup: | Buffalo (2-2) at Miami (4-1) |
| Date: | Sunday October 8th |
| Time: | 1:00pm |
| Television: | CBS |
| Announcers: | Dick Enberg, Dan Diedorf, & Bonnie Bernstein |
| Spread: | Miami by 1 1/2 |
| Series: | Miami Leads 43-28-1 (1-3 in the playoffs) |
| Last Meeting: | Bills 23-3 in Buffalo last year |
| Dolphins Off: | Rush (12th); Pass(31st); overall (27th) |
| Dolphins Def: | Rush (19th); Pass (5th) ; overall (9th) |
| Bills Offense: | Rush (13th); Pass (14th); overall (10th) |
| Bills Defense: | Rush (2nd); Pass (8th); overall (3rd) |
Injury Update
The Bills are very healthy after not receiving any more significant injuries in the Colts game. The only players that probably won't be available are Jay Riemersma and Corey Moore. Moore and Riemersma are both listed as doubtful but probably won't play. Riemersma has a chance of returning against the Chargers. All the other Bills are healthy and should play. On the Dolphins side, Thurman Thomas missed last week's game with a groin injury but you can bet your bottom dollar he will play against the Bills. Zach Thomas also missed the Cincinnati game with an ankle injury but should return. The Dolphins will be without defensive tackle Daryl Gardener who is out with a herniated disk.
For complete injury news throughout the week and the Official NFL Injury Report go to our Injury Page.
Key Matchups
LB Sam Cowart vs. RB Thurman Thomas: Thomas will be out for blood when he enters the game on third downs. It will be Cowart's job as the dime backer to stop Thomas as a runner and as a receiver.
DB Henry Jones vs. TE Alonzo Mayes: The newest Dolphin may see some valuable playing time immediately. Jones struggled against the tight ends last week and will be looking for redemption.
RBs Jonathan Linton, Shawn Bryson, & Sammy Morris vs. LB Zach Thomas: If Thomas is still hurting from his ankle injury than the running backs may have a chance to build off of their momentum from last week.
LT John Fina vs. DE Jason Taylor: Taylor is having a good season and Fina will need to keep him off of the QB. Taylor had a sack, forced fumble and recovery for a touchdown last week.
Game Plan
When The Bills Have The Ball: Now that they have discovered a running game they will need to keep it. The offense will have to mix up their plays pretty good to keep the potent Dolphins defense off balance. If they have success running the ball, they will need to do some play action passing to loosen up the defense.
When The Dolphins Have The Ball: They have one of the worst offenses in the league and are dead last in passing. They will try to run with Lamar Smith and used the fire and energy of Thomas on third downs to keep the chains moving.
Bills Daily Prediction
This game is an early season must win for the Bills. It will be a very hard task however. Teh "Thurman Factor" can either go against them or work for them with a fired up spirited defensive effort. Unfortuantely, I think it will work against them as Thomas will get his teammates fired up and ready for action: Miami 13, Buffalo 7
Season Prediction Record: (3-1)
Season Record Against The Spread: (2-2)
Game Analysis and Review - Coming Sunday Night Oct. 8th!
Positional Breakdown and Grades - Coming Sunday Night Oct. 8th!
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