Note: If you’re looking
for the 2014 Week 11 matchup between these teams, please go here: Bills
vs. Dolphins Preview and Pick
Miami Dolphins (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS) vs. Buffalo Bills (1-0 SU, 1-0 ATS)
NFL Week 2
Date and Time: Sunday, September 14, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. EST
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, NY
TV: CBS, DTV 705
by Vesper Abadon, Pro Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Mia -1/Buf +1
Over/Under Total: 43
Bet your Phins/Bills pick at an online sportsbook where you can pad your bankroll before you even make your first bet! Simply deposit $100 to $500 and get a dollar for dollar matching 100% bonus at GTbets!
No one expected the Week 1 beat down of the New England Patriots by the Miami Dolphins, who put the league on notice that they’re legitimate AFC contenders. Likewise, the Buffalo Bills put in an impressive performance in their overtime win on the road against the Chicago Bears. This week the AFC East rivals will meet in upstate New York in their quest to start the season 2-0.
In Week 1, The Dolphins got the job done thanks to their defense and run game. Regarding the former, defensive end Cameron Wake led the charge as he terrorized Tom Brady and company. All told the Fins sacked Brady four times in the second half and held the usually potent Patriots to 315 total yards (89 rushing; 226 passing).
Regarding the Fins’ run game, Knowshon Moreno killed it in his regular season debut as he rushed 24 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, while Lamar Miller had 11 carries for 59 yards and a receiving touchdown. Speaking of the receiving game, Mike Wallace had a solid performance cathing seven balls for 81 yards and a touchdown. It could have been more had he and quarterback Ryan Tannehill – who went 18/32 for 178 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception — connected on some missed opportunities, but their chemistry is still a work in progress.
As for the Bills, they won off the foot of Dan Carpenter, who kicked three field goals including the 27-yarder that won it in overtime. That was set up by a 38-yard run from running back Fred Jackson, who carried seven times for 61 yards. Meanwhile, CJ Spiller rushed 15 times for 53 yards, which he padded with a receiving touchdown.
Speaking of touchdowns, quarterback EJ Manuel, who finished 16/22 for 173 yards and an interception, found the endzone twice — once on the ground and once through the air. His top receiver was second-year wide receiver Robert Woods, who caught four passes for 78 yards, while rookie Sammy Watkins was held in check catching three balls for 31 yards.
Defensively, the Bills had two interceptions, though they allowed 349 passing yards and 86 on the ground. The Bears seemed to move the ball with ease through the air, though the Bills did force a fumble from wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
Vesper’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: There’s no denying that the Dolphins looked more polished than the Bills in Week 1. They were the more balanced team whereas the Bills won because off the Bears’ mistakes. Whether the Bills forced those mistakes or the Bears shot themselves in the foot could be debate. Whatever the case, a win is a win, and the Bills, who are looking to end a 14-year playoff drought, have won the last two times they faced the Dolphins.
Of course that was a different Dolphins team, one without offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. His emphasis on the run game, and Moreno’s subsequent success, assured that Tannehill had plenty of passing opportunities. If the Fins were able to execute that against the Patriots defense led by Darrelle Revis, then they ought to be able to do it against the Bills too. Likewise, if the Dolphins D shows up, Manuel and company are going to have a hard time moving the ball. The Dolphins are my pick to improve to 2-0. Bet this game and ALL college/pro football games at -105 odds (instead of the spendy -110 that you’re paying). Making the switch to discounted odds (and it’s the best book on the web I might add!) will save you TONS of money! Find this great offer as well as 20 point teasers and parlays up to 25 teams at 5Dimes.
