DOLPHIN BILLS
8:15 p.m., Dolphins by 1 ½, 49
HANK’S HONEYS: Both teams had to come from behind to win on opening day, so it’s hard to tell their relative strengths. But there’s a sense that this game is more important to the Dolphins. If they want to make any noise in the playoffs, it means winning the division, staying home and avoiding cold weather like they faced in Kansas City last year. To do that, they need to beat the Bills at home, with the rematch set for Week 18 in Buffalo. Their problem is that they’re 2-11 in the regular season and playoffs against Josh Allen, who has torched them with 36 passing touchdowns and five more with his legs in that span. To put it bluntly, the Dolphins have won nine of their last 11 games at Hard Rock Stadium, but against Allen, they’re just 2-4. Allen is on injured reserve with a non-throwing hand injury. Knowing the competitor he is, that shouldn’t affect him.
Miami won Sunday’s game on the strength of big defensive plays. Its explosive offense was held in check by the Jaguars. Tua Tagovailoa threw for 338 yards but was quiet aside from Tyreek Hill’s long TD run. If the Dolphins are going to turn the tide against the Bills, they’re going to need a lot more from their running game. De’Von Achane carried the ball 10 times for just 24 yards and Raheem Mostert was hit for just nine yards on six carries. Both are out with injuries — Achane to his ankle and Mostert to his torso — and with the short week, that’s a major concern. The Dolphins’ offensive line didn’t exactly alleviate any preseason concerns, racking up eight tackles for loss and three sacks. They now face a very tough matchup with edge rusher Greg Rousseau, who was a one-man gang against the Cardinals with three sacks, three tackles for loss, six quarterback pressures and a forced fumble.
IF I WERE A BETTOR: Bills and more.
