Pitiful Picks: Can the Dolphins win their playoff hopes alive?
The Miami Dolphins picked up a big win last week and essentially knocked out one of their contenders for the 6th playoff spot in the AFC. Today, they have a chance to do it again, while keeping pace with the Ravens. The Dolphins will be in Pittsburgh to play the 5-7 Steelers in what essentially amounts to an elimination game.
Photo Courtesy of Dolphins.com
With the push for the playoffs going on in the NFL, our Pitiful Picks have been making a late season surge too! Last week we went 3-0 and pushed on the Eagles/Cardinals game. So our season record stands at 30-26. Let’s see if we can keep the momentum going (just like the Dolphins will!)
Vikings +7 over Ravens
As much as the Dolphins would love to see the Vikings win this game to knock the Ravens to 6-7, I don’t think it will happen. I hope it does and I think it will be a close game, but I don’t know if the Vikings will be able to do enough. I think they’ll make it a game, which is why the 7 points are too much to give up for the Ravens. But unfortunately, I think the Ravens, at home will win a close one. Prediction: Ravens 24 Vikings 20
Saints -3.5 over Panthers
This game is the highlight of this week’s NFL schedule. It’s also the Sunday Night Football game that was flexed by NBC. After an ugly loss on Monday night to the Seahawks, the Saints return home (where they play very well) and will be looking to make a statement against the red hot Panthers. The Saints offense is so much more explosive at home and more importantly, their defense plays better at home. I think this one is a 10 point game. Prediction: Saints 30 Panthers 20
Bengals -7 over Colts
The Colts showed some life last week with their win over the Titans. BUT, they’re heading on the road this week and will be playing a good Bengals team. I think the bad Colts show up on Sunday and the Bengals defense corrals Andrew Luck. Prediction: Bengals 27 Colts 17
Dolphins +3.5 over Steelers
This game is one of the tougher games to handicap this week. Which Dolphins team will show up? I hope it’s the one we saw in the 2nd half of last week’s win against the Jets. The loser of this game is in serious trouble in the playoff hunt. Remember, the Dolphins play against the Patriots next week, so they need to pick up a win against the Steelers.
Both of these teams have depleted offensive lines. However, I think the Dolphins defense will do a better job of creating pressure. If Ryan Tannehill can limit the mistakes and most importantly, the turnovers, the Dolphins should be able to win a close game this week, keeping their hopes alive. Prediction: Dolphins 20 Steelers 17
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