Miami Dolphins (6-7 SU, 5-6-2 ATS) vs. Buffalo Bills (7-6 SU, 7-5-1 ATS)
NFL Week 15
Date/Time: Sunday, December 17th, 2017 1:00 PM EST
Where: New Era Field at Ralph Wilson Stadium Orchard Park, NY
TV: CBS
by Keith, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: MIA OFF / BUF OFF
Over/Under Total:OFF
The Buffalo Bills will host their arch rivals the Miami Dolphins in an AFC East divisional clash set to take place New Era Field at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York on Sunday, December 17th, 2017. This contest will certainly have playoff implications on the line for Buffalo who are currently sitting in position to earn a wildcard berth if they win out. Overall, the two parties have split the last four meetings down the middle. The last meeting between these two foes was in 2016 when the Fish marched up to Buffalo and defeated the Bills in overtime by a score of 34-31. The affair was instrumental in removing Buffalo from the playoff conversation in 2016. The two teams are once again set to do battle in Miami as a season finale in Week 17 which may once again bode playoff implications on how circumstances pan out. The game is set for kick off at 1:00 PM EST and will be aired for regional audiences on CBS.
The Dolphins come in off a dominant win against the New England Patriots on Monday Night Football. Hosting the divisional heavyweight, the Fish defense paved the way as their defensive line hurried and harassed quarterback Tom Brady all game. Furthermore, Jay Cutler was in rare and exquisite form, reminiscent of his hay day in Denver when he was paired with Brandon Marshall.
The Bills have gotten off the snide with style. Buffalo comes in off a thrilling victory over Indianapolis at home last Sunday where Buffalo fans celebrated with a snowball fight. The win kept Buffalos aspirations alive of ending a post-season drought that has been plaguing the franchise for over a decade. Seemingly the Bills got off the tracks when they were blown out on Thursday Night Football against rival New York, last month. However, the win here has catapulted the Bills to a position where they have yet another winnable contest to keep their hopes afloat. This game will be considered a must win for the Bills as they have to contend with a road trip to New England next week. With New England in need of a win to keep their endeavours of earning a bye alive, the game will be of exceptional importance. Thus, some may argue that Buffalo may be caught looking ahead here. However, the Bills are no position to that. If Buffalo loses this week, next week is virtually irrelevant.
So far in this market, Miami will be likely to continue to get a lot of love no matter where they are priced. In addition to the narratives surrounding the at the spread conditions, we must also look into the Over/Under scenario. In this market, the Over/Under will likely also be worth taking into consideration. The Under will offer tremendous appeal given the fact both teams offenses have been inconsistent all this season. This narrative applies to both veteran Jay Cutler and rookie quarterback Nate Peterman. However, Buffalo does have one ace in its hole. His name is Shady McCoy. McCoy saw a career high in carries against Indianapolis last Sunday, chances are he will be their workhorse again against Miami. If Buffalo plays its game, this contest will be a low-scoring defensive-oriented affair. Thus, the suggestion here for the Under.
Very simply Buffalo needs the win and it is hard to imagine they wont get it here with the environment and elements playing to their advantage. Furthermore, Miami comes in as a prime fade target by virtue of the fact they may have orchestrated one of the biggest upsets this season when they took down New England. Doing so on Monday Night Football before a national audience will signal many to hop aboard this bunch. When Buffalo comes in off what was a dogfight in overtime with Indianapolis, this propensity is that much greater. However, the snow slowed down both offenses but Buffalos defense held serve when it needed to. Chances are the weather will assist Buffalo here in curtailing the operations of this warm-weather climate team. Buffalo continues on with a decisive win and keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Keith’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: BUFFALO – Where are you betting this game? Bet it for FREE by taking advantage of a 50% welcome bonus offered to new players at Bovada Sportsbook!