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Week 11: Bills vs. Dolphins Preview Miami Dolphins
The Bills are still looking for that elusive first home win in over a year. They will try to get it against their arch rival Dolphins who are coming off a 24-0 drubbing at the hands of the Jets that dropped them into second place in the AFC East. Miami week has always been extra special around Western New York but there is no enthusiasm surrounding the team right now and the game isn't even sold out.


Facts and Figures
Matchup: Miami (6-3) at Buffalo (1-8)
Date: Sunday November 25th
Place: Ralph Wilson Stadium
Time: 1:00pm
Television: CBS
Announcers: Kevin Harlan and Craig James
Spread: Miami by 5 1/2
Series: Dolphins Lead 45-28-1 (incl. 1-3 playoffs)
Last Meeting: Dolphins 33-6 in Buffalo last year
Fish Offense: Rush (18th); Pass (16th); overall (18th)
Fish Defense: Rush (8th); Pass (3rd); overall (3rd)
Bills Offense: Rush (22nd); Pass (14th); overall (17th)
Bills Defense: Rush (26th); Pass (4th); overall (12th)


Injury Update

The Bills are fairly healthy even though starting quarterback Rob Johnson remains out with his broken collarbone. Alex Van Pelt filled in admirably last week and will look to build on that performance this week. Jonas Jennings is likely to miss this game after re-injuring the arch in his foot, he is listed as questionable. That thrusts John Fina back into the starting lineup. Phil Hansen has missed the last two games with a calf injury and Raion Hill missed last week with a shoulder injury. Both players are listed as questionable.

The Dolphins have been without cornerback Brian Walker the last two weeks but hopes to get him back this week. CB Sam Madison and DT Daryl Gardener also missed last week's game with injuries. Madison is doubtful for this week's game and Gardener will definitely remain out.

For complete injury news throughout the week and the Official NFL Injury Report go to our Injury Page.


Key Matchups

LT John Fina vs. RE Jason Taylor: Fina can try to keep his starting job with a good performance against Taylor who is the team leader in sacks.

RB Travis Henry vs. MLB Zach Thomas: Thomas is the main run stuffer and a real good one. Henry needs to rebound after a few poor games in a row.

RG Corey Hulsey vs. LT Tim Bowens: Bowens will also try to give a big push in the middle of the defense and Hulsey will need to hold his own against him. He should have help from Center Bill Conaty.

DT Pat Williams vs. C Tim Ruddy: This should be a marquee matchup. Williams has played very well lately and Ruddy is a solid center. The Bills will need to have Williams be a disruptive force in the middle to keep the Miami offense from running too much.

K Jake Arians vs. K Olindo Mare: They don't actually compete against each other but the kicking game cost the Bills last week's game. Mare has missed only one kick this year and Arians has been awful. He needs to perform well or he needs to go. If it comes down to a field goal the Dolphins will likely win.


Game Plan

When The Bills Have The Ball: The Bills have lived and died with the passing game. They will likely do it again this week against a stingy Miami run defense. They need to hold on to the ball which should be a bit easier against a team that doesn't force turnovers.

When The Dolphins Have The Ball: They will try to run a ball control offense by using a running game and short passing attack. The Bills can try to shorten the field by crowding the box defensively. Miami has been prone to the turnover so the Bills need to take advantage of that and get the turnovers when the opportunity arises.


Bills Daily Prediction

The Bills have played better lately despite losing. The Dolphins are a team that is going to be real mad after getting blown out by the Jets again. This does not bode well for Buffalo: Dolphins 24, Bills 10


Season Prediction Record: (4-5)
Season Record Against The Spread: (4-5)

Complete Statistical Matchup
Game Analysis and Review - Coming Sunday Night!
Positional Breakdown and Grades - Coming Sunday Night!


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