Game 12: Bills vs. Dolphins

at Sunday, Dec. 5th 1:00pm ET Stats Matchup

A lot has changed since the last time these two teams met in October in Buffalo. Both teams were winless before the Bills pulled off their first victory of the season. They have since won four more games, while the Dolphins have got their first two wins of the year including a win in San Francisco last week. They have played much better lately.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Matchup:	Buffalo (5-6) vs. Miami (2-9)
Place:	Pro Player Stadium
Television:	CBS
Announcers:	Don Criqui and Steve Tasker
Spread:	Bills by 3½
Series:	Miami lead 49-31-1 (Bills 3-1 in playoffs)
Last Meeting:	Bills 20-13 in Buffalo (2004)
Dolphins Off:	Rush (31st); Pass (24th); overall (28th)
Dolphins Def:	Rush (29th); Pass (1st); overall (6th)
Bills Offense:	Rush (19th); Pass (25th); overall (26th)
Bills Defense:	Rush (t-4th); Pass (7th); overall (3rd)

INJURY UPDATE

The Bills had a rash of injuries in the first quarter against Seattle but only one seems to be serious. Travis Henry injured his lower right leg. It originally was thought to be a broken fibula but further tests showed it isn't that serious. He will very likely miss this game in any case. Troy Vincent remains out with a knee injury. He has missed eight straight games and is getting closer to returning. He will be questionable, but may remain out. Josh Reed has missed four games with a hyper extended knee but is closing in on a return. It is likely they will get him back this week. Jonas Jennings separated his shoulder against the Seahawks but returned to the game. He may miss practice time this week but should be ready to go on Sunday. Willis McGahee has a sprained ankle but will be ready to play. Nate Clements got shaken up against Seattle but returned and is fine.

The Dolphins may be without Sammy Morris again. He missed the San Francisco game last week with a rib injury. His status is uncertain. The Dolphins hope to get G Jeno James back. He has missed the last two games after undergoing knee surgery. LB Zach Thomas missed all but a few plays last week with a hamstring injury and will be out this week. LB Tony Bua missed last week's game with a quad injury but he hopes to return this week also. The Dolphins are already without DTs Tim Bowens and Larry Chester and LB Junior Seau.
Bills Daily Injury Page

KEY MATCHUPS

RB Willis McGahee vs. Derrick Pope:
The rookie Pope gets the start in the middle. He had a solid game last week against San Francisco. Still, without Thomas it should make it easier for McGahee to get going against a weak Miami run defense.

DE Aaron Schobel vs. LT Damion McIntosh:
Schobel has been struggling and needs a big game to end his slump. He may be able to do that against McIntosh.

LT Jonas Jennings vs. DE Jason Taylor:
Jennings did a great job against Taylor in the first meeting with help from the guards, tight ends, and running backs. He will get plenty of help again as it is imperative to slowdown Taylor to give the offense a chance at success.

Bills Special Teams vs. Miami Special Teams:
Both teams have good stars on their units. Wes Welker is in the Steve Tasker mole and the Bills need to key on him to not give up a big play. If either unit turns in a game turning play that can be the difference this week.

WR Eric Moulds vs. CB Sam Madison:
Moulds has had big games against Miami in the past and faces an old foe in Madison. This is a good battle to watch.

DB Terrence McGee vs. WR Chris Chambers:
Miami will try to get Chambers one on one with McGee. This is a matchup edge for Miami and they will look to Chambers to make big plays.

GAME PLAN

When The Bills Have The Ball: The Miami defense is number one against the pass but near the bottom defending the run. Look for the Bills to run McGahee at least 30 times in the game as they try to grind out a ball control, time killing victory.

When The Dolphins Have The Ball: They will have a tough time moving the ball through the air and on the ground against the Bills. Look for them to use delayed handoffs to get the running game going against the Bills aggressive front seven.

BILLS DAILY PREDICTION

The Bills really need to guard against a letdown. Honestly, that is the only way they should lose the game, if they look past Miami. I have confidence in the coaching staff and the veterans to not let this happen. Miami should struggle moving the ball on the Bills, so it shouldn't take too much offense to get the victory:
Bills 13, Dolphins 3

Season Prediction Record: (8-3)
Season Record Against The Spread: (5-6)

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