2023-09-28 17:48:02
The Dolphins flirted with history during their crushing offensive display last week. That was not enough to convince the betting houses for their visit to Buffalo next Sunday.
The 70 points, the 726 total yards, the 10 touchdowns from scrimmage and the two players with at least 4 scores in a game only earned Miami (3-0) to open down in the betting by 2.5 points . The thing is, with all due respect, they won’t face the Broncos on Sunday.
The Bills (2-1), after all, also have a lot to brag about. They have surpassed 380 total yards in each of their last two games, have not allowed more than 290 all season and have stolen eight balls in the most recent two weeks. Maintaining that trend on Sunday would pave the way for them to their 10th victory in the last 11 meetings against Miami, including last season’s wild-card round game.
Buffalo has a 25-6 home record since 2020, the best in the entire NFL. They have in Josh Allen a quarterback who has a career record of 9-2 against Miami, including the playoffs. And, in general they have the most balanced team in the league, second in points allowed and scored.
The only problem is that the team that leads practically every offensive category arrives in Buffalo on Sunday. The Dolphins’ 130 points are the most by a team after three games in more than half a century, while the attack led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has accumulated 1,651 yards, something never before seen after just three games.
But, as impressive as all these statistics are, none of the previous weeks will help them on Sunday in Buffalo, where Miami seeks to ratify its start to the season or risk giving up the division lead.
“We have to beat those guys,” Tagovailoa declared. “That’s how I see it. I don’t think there is any other way to look at it. They are the next team on the schedule and that is how we all see it. We’re not worried about anyone else this week except the Bills.”
BROWNS (2-1) en BALTIMORE (2-1)
The commonalities between these two teams go beyond the old Browns’ infamous move to Baltimore in 1995 and a team’s return to Cleveland four years later.
Now, more than two decades after the birth of a bitter rivalry, both teams have in common the loss of their respective starting running backs for the rest of the campaign, an unusual neglect of the ball, two attacks that still do not get into rhythm despite of their recent acquisitions, and defensive paths capable of getting any team out of trouble.
Two serious contenders for the AFC North title meet Sunday in Baltimore. And while the game won’t necessarily be spectacular, it certainly promises to be intense.
The Browns defense has been simply dominant. They have allowed 142 yards or less in two of their three games this season and, in fact, lead the league in points allowed (10.7 per game), yards allowed (163.7 per game) and have barely allowed their opponents two trips to the last 20 yards, both unsuccessful.
Baltimore, winner of 35 of the 48 games in the series, seeks to rediscover the path to victory after an unusual error-ridden game in the loss to Indianapolis last week. Deciphering the Browns’ defensive puzzle is the top priority and the answer could be where all the Ravens’ answers usually lie, in quarterback Lamar Jackson and a running attack by committee that already has six touchdowns this season.
Even though the home team has won the last four games of the series, the Browns are seeking what would be their second win — or second loss — within the division, the first tiebreaker heading into the postseason. While it’s only week four, when it comes to the North Division, any advantage is welcome.
BUCCANEERS (2-1) at NEW ORLEANS (2-1)
When it comes to drama, no one has done it better than the Saints this season opener. Or rather, no one has done it more often.
New Orleans’ two wins have been by a total of four points and its only loss came last week, 18-17 to Green Bay, in a game in which kicker Blake Grupe missed a 46-yard field goal attempt. with 68 seconds left.
Now, in addition to the drama, New Orleans leads a duel for the top of the NFC South, a sense of urgency in the absence of starting quarterback Derek Carr, so it will be the responsibility of Jameis Winston to face the fierce defense of Tampa Bay .
Winston, a historically interception-prone quarterback, will face a unit that has already stolen five passes this season. But when it comes to defense, New Orleans has not allowed more than 18 points in a game this season and, with eight sacks so far this year, promises to put pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield and keep his team out of reach. best receiver, Mike Evans.
THE REST
Week 4 begins on Thursday with the visit of the Lions (2-1) to Green Bay (2-1) in a duel for the leadership of the NFC North.
The action continues early Sunday with the Jaguars (1-2) on their annual pilgrimage to England to “host” the Falcons (2-1). Jacksonville is 4-5 in its nine trips to British territory and will remain in London for a second game next week.
Later: Vikings (0-3) at Carolina (0-3); Broncos (0-3) at Chicago (0-3); Steelers (2-1) at Houston (1-2); Bengals (1-2) at Tennessee (1-2); Rams (1-2) at Indianapolis (2-1); Commanders (2-1) at Philadelphia (2-1); Raiders (1-2) at LA Chargers (1-2); Patriots (1-2) at Dallas (2-1); Cardinals (1-2) at San Francisco (3-0); and Chiefs (2-1) at NY Jets (1-2).
The day concludes on Monday night with the visit of the Seahawks (2-1) to the home of the Giants (1-2) who are among the last three teams in the league in points scored and received. Seattle has scored 37 points in each of its last two games.
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