It's time for our Saturday ritual - predictions. Below are some "expert" picks for Sunday's game between the Dolphins and Bills, followed by my quick thoughts and my "weekly locks" - which have been anything but thus far.
| Chris Mortensen - Mia | Adam Schefter - Mia | Tom Jackson - Buf |
| Ron Jaworski - Mia | Pete Prisco - Mia | Harmon Forecast - Buf |
| PFT - Mia | Peter King - Buf | Jason Cole - Buf |
| Charles Robinson - Mia | Clark Judge - Buf | Michael Silver - Buf |
The "experts" seem split relatively evenly around the internet. But, of course, they are all wrong.
I know I'm only 1-2 picking these Dolphin games this year, but I have a strong feeling about this one on Sunday. Many of you know I'm far from a "Chad Henne blind follower." I have been and will be very critical of him. But I just have a feeling that the Dolphins are going to open up the offense on Sunday against a depleted Buffalo secondary and let Henne air it out far more than some might think. The Dolphins will obviously have to protect Henne - but I think the offensive line is coming along well enough to do so.
Defensively, the Dolphins have to be more aggressive and generate a more consistent pass rush. If the Dolphins let Trent Edwards stand back in the pocket all day, he will beat you. He has weapons on the outside and we know the Dolphins have a tendency of giving up big plays. As pass rush will take some pressure off of the secondary. Oh - and my bold prediction - Sean Smith gets his first career interception on Sunday.
Dolphins win 20-16.
Meanwhile, Brian Galliford from Buffalo Rumblings also checks in with his prediction below.
I don't like the way Buffalo matches up with Miami, particularly given their grievous injury concerns. Even with Joey Porter possibly sidelined - and my gut tells me that that [insert expletive] will find a way to play - Miami's big, physical, athletic front seven will cause big problems for a Bills offensive line that's banged up at tackle and extremely inexperienced.
But I'm not particularly concerned about Buffalo's defensive injuries in the secondary, because we've got good depth there. Our defensive line is playing well, and I expect the focus to be containing the run in order to make Chad Henne beat us over the top. He might do it, but it's a longer shot for the Dolphins than letting Ronnie Brown run wild.
I expect this to be a low-scoring affair. Really, this is a pick'em game in my mind. Whenever I get to that point, I take either the home team or the more desperate team. Miami is both of those this week. Dolphins 23, Bills 17
My Week 4 Locks
Giants -8.5 over Chiefs - I expect a big day on the ground from Brandon Jacobs and I expect the Giants to dominate defensively.
Bengals -5.5 over Browns - Mark this down: the Browns will be the last team to win a game this year...if at all.
Cowboys -2.5 over Broncos - The Broncos are the biggest "3-0 pretender" I've seen in recent memory.
Last Week: 1-2
Season: 2-4