As the offseason wears on for the Miami Dolphins, it’s time to look at some key games on the Dolphins schedule. The Dolphins are the dark horses to win the AFC East. They have an even better chance to steal a wild card spot in the playoffs. The key games include matchups against the Buffalo Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New Orleans Saints.
The early game against the Bills is their best chance to pick up a win against Buffalo. This game is early in the season, which should play to the Dolphins advantage. The game against Tampa Bay will show what the Dolphins are made of, as they face off against Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champions. Lastly, the Saints game will be their first prime time game, which will take place late in the season. This could be a key game as Dolphins look to get in the playoffs. These are the three key games on the Dolphins schedule that could make their season or bust it.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, 1pm, Fox
This game will be the Dolphins first game in the AFC East. The Dolphins will have a tough game at home against the Buffalo Bills. It’s important that Miami gets off to a hot start and wins this divisional game. This will be the first of two games that Miami will play against Buffalo. Miami will have to deal with Buffalo’s Josh Allen who is having Pro Bowl caliber years and could be on the brink of reaching the Super Bowl in the next couple years.
If the Dolphins want to win this game, Tua Tagovailoa will have to get it working in the passing game. He will need to find Will Fuller V and DeVante Parker. It will also be interesting to see how the Dolphins incorporate Jalen Waddle during this game. The defense will also need to be crisp, as they will be facing one of the better offenses in the league. Emmanuel Ogbah, and the rest of the defense, will need to find a way to make Allen uncomfortable in the pocket. They will also need to cause a turnover or two if the Dolphins expect to win this game.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1pm, CBS
This Week 5 game against Tampa Bay will show the NFL and world how good the Miami Dolphins are. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers are coming off a super bowl title and there is no reason they cannot win another one this coming year. Miami will have to be on top of their game with offense and defense. It would be wise if the Dolphins use a balanced attack rushing and passing attack during this game.
Myles Gaskin was one the leagues more impressive young running backs in 2021 and will be the key to rushing the ball. He’s speedy and knows where to find the holes in the defense. He had 534 rushing yards in 2021 with Miami. Miami could also use play action against the Buccaneers and open up the field a little bit. This is a key game because it will show what the Dolphins are like against one of the best teams in the NFL. It will also give a peek if Miami is a real playoff contender.
New Orleans Saints vs Miami Dolphins, 8:15pm, ESPN
The last key game is against the New Orleans Saints. This is one of the Dolphins easier games on this list of key games. The Saints are now without Drew Brees and will have to find another quarterback to take his place. Taysom Hill could be that guy, if he does well during training camp this year. This is a key game for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it will be the Dolphins first prime time game of the season, which will give them exposure in the spotlight. This game could also have playoff implications for the Dolphins as this game is in late December. The Saints could be in the same place. Do not discount the Saints, as they still have a pretty good team around them without Brees. Tagovailoa and the Dolphins will have their work cut out for them during this game. This is still a very winnable game for them, if the Dolphins come into this game with a lot of momentum.
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