It's that time again. Below are some "expert picks" - though how much of an expert are they? After all, everyone picked the Dolphins to beat the Bills two weeks ago. And then most picked the Pats do knock off the Dolphins last week. So yeah - not exactly "experts." Regardless, be sure to share your predictions below.
| Chris Mortensen - Jax |
Adam Schefter - Jax |
Tom Jackson - Mia |
| Ron Jaworski - Mia |
Mike Ditka - Mia |
PFT - Mia |
| Pete Prisco - Jax | Harmon Forecast - Jax | Clark Judge - Mia |
| Peter King - Mia | Jason Cole - Jax | Michael Silver - Mia |
I figured this game would be picked pretty evenly on both sides and that's exactly what we're seeing. Interesting thoughts shared within the PFT pick - which was made by Gregg Rosenthal and not Mike Florio (they divide up games evenly each week to pick games). Rosenthal writes that "Miami might be the most underrated team in football." He also adds, "The Dolphins just realized Chad Henne is pretty damn good and will let him throw the Dolphins right into the playoff mix."
I think that's the way this game will go - weather permitting, of course. There could be some rain, which could cause Dan Henning to curtail the number of intermediate pass plays he calls. But if it isn't raining, I think we'll see Henne throw the football against this suspect Jacksonville secondary.
In the end, though, I think the Dolphins will win this game on defense. They have to contain Maurice Jones-Drew as best they can. This rush defense has been allowing over 5 yards per carry in their last three games. But MJD hasn't been as effective of late, either. Could the wear and tear of being "the guy" for the first time in his career be taking a toll? Maybe. Either way, the Dolphins have to do whatever it takes to force David Garrard to throw.
In the end, I think the Dolphins pull out a very close win. Something like 20-16 or 24-20.
My Week 14 Locks
Colts -6.5 over Broncos - I'm sure you all know by now that I'm not a believer in the Broncos. Peyton Manning will throw for 300 yards and a few touchdowns en route to a comfortable win.
Packers -2.5 over Bears - I've been on the Packer bandwagon since training camp. They're rolling now and GB's defense will force a couple of Jay Cutler turnovers.
Saints -9.5 over Falcons - I just don't see how a banged up Atlanta offense will have the firepower needed to keep up with New Orleans.
Cardinals -2.5 over 49ers - Arizona is another very hot team right now and the 49ers gave up any chance of catching the Cards by losing to Seattle last week.
Last Week: 2-1
Season: 21-19-1