2023 NFL Playoffs: Predictions for NFL Wild Card weekend
By Grant Tuttle
Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills (CBS) 12:00 pm (Arrowhead Time)
In a third rematch, the Bills and Dolphins will face off with uncertainty on both teams. The Dolphins have been without their top two quarterbacks for the last couple of weeks. Tua Tagovailoa has been in concussion protocol and Teddy Bridgewater sustained an injury to his throwing hand. While it is unclear whether or not they will have either player, the Dolphins have given the Bills all that they can handle this year. In fact, if you were to split the difference in points in the combined matchups, the Bills would hold just a one-point edge.
The Bills don’t necessarily have glaring weaknesses going into the matchup, but they are still dealing with the loss of Damar Hamlin for the season and some key players being banged up. Josh Allen has not been on his “A game” and the defense has looked vulnerable at times. This week, the Bills will have an opportunity to start the journey that the NFL media set out for them: To make a deep run into the playoffs and win a Super Bowl.
To me, this one is an easy call.
The Bottom Line
The Dolphins have employed a mostly bad defense this season. Without competent quarterback play, it seems like a long shot for them to have any chance against the Bills in their third matchup. Buffalo not only has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL (if not the best), but they are also fueled by the scary on-field incident that took place a couple of weeks ago. With Damar Hamlin as a rallying cry, the Bills might be even better than expected in this weekend’s game. I expect the score to reflect dominance in their favor.
Prediction: Bills 35, Dolphins 13