Dolphins-Bills Week 10 Predictions: National Outlook on Miami’s Upset Chances
As the Miami Dolphins prepare to face off against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The Dolphins are hoping to break a seven-game losing streak against their divisional rivals, but the national media’s confidence in Miami is strikingly low.
A Look at the Matchup
Miami enters this pivotal matchup with the weight of expectations on their shoulders. After enduring a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens last Thursday, the Dolphins are seeking redemption. However, they will face a formidable opponent in the Bills, who recently secured an emotional victory against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In their previous encounter, the Bills bested the Dolphins 31-21 in Week 3. For Miami to keep this game competitive, they must focus on creating turnovers. Buffalo has demonstrated a sharp edge with a plus-four turnover margin in their last two games, primarily due to the playmaking abilities of quarterback Josh Allen. In contrast, the Dolphins have struggled with ball security, committing three or more turnovers in three of their last four outings—an unsustainable trend for any team aspiring to win.
National Predictions Favor the Bills
A comprehensive roundup of national predictions reveals a near-universal expectation of a Bills victory.
Sports Illustrated Predictions
Claire Brennan: Bills
Mitch Goldich: Bills
Gilbert Manzano: Bills
Matt Verderame: Bills
Conor Orr: Bills
John Pluym: Bills
Matt Verderame: Bills
USA Today Sports Predictions
Jarrett Bell: Bills 30, Dolphins 20
Nick Brinkerhoff: Bills 34, Dolphins 14
Chris Bumbaca: Bills 27, Dolphins 19
Nate Davis: Bills 30, Dolphins 23
Tyler Dragon: Bills 31, Dolphins 20
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Bills 31, Dolphins 20
The Sporting News Analysis
The consensus among analysts is clear: the Bills are expected to dominate once again. The Dolphins’ path to a potential upset is fraught with challenges, primarily their need to generate turnovers against a team that has historically capitalized on mistakes. The Sporting News predicts a Bills victory of 27-17.
ESPN’s Take on the Matchup
Stephanie Bell: Bills
Matt Bowen: Bills
Mike Clay: Bills
Jeremy Fowler: Bills
Dan Graziano: Bills
Kalyn Kahler: Bills
Pamela Maldonado: Bills
Eric Moody: Bills
Jason Reid: Bills
Lindsey Thiry: Bills
Seth Wickersham: Bills
Once again, the Bills dominate the predictions, with a majority of analysts foreseeing a comfortable win.
NBC Sports and NFL.com Insights
Mike Florio: Bills 30, Dolphins 21
Chris Simms: Bills 34, Dolphins 24
Ali Bhanpuri: Bills 30, Dolphins 20
Tom Blair: Bills 31, Dolphins 20
Brooke Cersosimo: Bills 28, Dolphins 21
Gennaro Filice: Bills 35, Dolphins 16
Dan Parr: Bills 30, Dolphins 20
The narrative remains consistent across the board; Buffalo’s recent performances have established them as a powerhouse, while Miami’s struggles have led to skepticism about their capabilities.
The Athletic’s Perspective
Analysts from The Athletic have also aligned with the prevailing sentiment, tipping the scales firmly in favor of the Bills. The Dolphins’ chances of securing a win would be monumental, but the removal of Chris Grier as GM and the decision to retain Mike McDaniel as head coach may inject a new fight into the team. This change could influence the Dolphins’ performance, keeping the game closer than anticipated.
As the Dolphins gear up for this critical clash, they strive not just to end a losing streak, but to instill belief in their capabilities amid a chorus of doubt. The stage is set, and while the odds may be against them, Miami will undoubtedly fight to prove their naysayers wrong.
