South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
It doesn’t get any easier for 1-6 Miami
Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (1-6) and Buffalo Bills (4-2) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 8 game at Highmark Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):
When the Dolphins run: The Dolphins finally showed a commitment to the running game against the Falcons. The results were encouraging. They went for 132 yards on 29 attempts
— 25 of which went to the running backs. It didn’t hurt the passing game, and probably even enhanced it with greater balance in the offense. Miami was also able to win time of possession over Atlanta. Now the Dolphins march on with Malcolm Brown going on injured reserve after he suffered a quadriceps injury on the opening drive last week. Myles Gaskin should get the bulk of the work with Salvon Ahmed spelling him in a similar dynamic as seen last season. The Bills’ run defense ranks sixth in the NFL, facing the Dolphins’ rushing attack that is second-to-last. Edge: Bills
When the Bills run: You might think of quarterback Josh Allen and his deep receiving corps first when you think of the Bills offense, but they are also a top-10 rushing attack. The South Florida tandem of FAU and American Heritage-Delray High standout Devin “Motor” Singletary and Hallandale High alum Zack Moss are nearly even on carry splits, 60 and 54, respectively. Singletary is averaging 5.2 yards per attempt with 311 on the year, plus a touchdown. Moss has three rushing touchdowns on a 3.9 yard-per-carry average. The Dolphins’ run defense has inched toward the middle of the pack after struggling mightily to start the season. As nose tackle Raekwon Davis has grown more comfortable since his return from a knee injury, Miami had a second consecutive game holding an opponent under 100 rushing yards. Edge: Bills
When the Dolphins pass: Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned from his fractured ribs to run into the huge distraction of the Dolphins’ trade talks with the Texans, inquiring about embattled star quarterback Deshaun Watson. The second-year signal-caller says he doesn’t listen to the rumors, and for the most part, it has shown with his efficient performances. Between his past two starts, against Atlanta and Jacksonville, he has completed about 75 percent of his passes, averaged more than 300 passing yards per game and thrown six touchdowns. The Dolphins have to tighten up their pass protection against the Bills’ fierce pass rush headlined by former University of Miami defensive end Gregory Rousseau. Cornerback Tre’Davious White is one of the best in the business, and so is the safety combination of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer. Edge: Bills
When the Bills pass: You know the names by now: Allen throwing to Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, veteran free-agent acquisition Emmanuel Sanders and tight end Dawson Knox. Allen has catapulted himself into the conversation among the game’s elite quarterbacks, and he has weapons to throw to. The Dolphins’ pass defense has been a huge disappointment when it entered the season a perceived strength. Cornerbacks Xavien Howard and Byron Jones are playing through injuries. Miami has tried to play more zone than last year and has been picked apart, and the Dolphins haven’t applied pressure on opposing quarterbacks like they did last season. Edge: Bills
Special teams: The Dolphins don’t have an elite returner anymore since trading away Jakeem Grant, and it’s been a revolving door at both kick and punt returner since. They’ve tried Jaylen Waddle at both, Myles Gaskin on kickoffs and Jevon Holland on punts. Former American Heritage High standout Isaiah McKenzie returns kicks and punts for Buffalo. The Dolphins’ Jason Sanders is now up to three missed field goal attempts on the year (7 for 10). With Michael Palardy punting, Miami began looking at other options, bringing in J.K. Scott for a workout this week. Bills kicker Tyler Bass is 14 of 15 on field goals this season, with the one miss coming from 50-plus. Ex-Dolphin Matt Haack averages 44.7 yards on his punts for Buffalo. Edge: Bills
Intangibles: Dolphins coach Brian Flores is yet to beat the Bills in five meetings. Buffalo has beaten Miami by a combined score of 91-26 in the past two meetings. At least the Dolphins don’t have to make their annual trip to Buffalo during frigid December or January this time. Nonetheless, the Bills have the Dolphins’ number, and they’re coming in rested off their bye week, like the Falcons were last week . Edge: Bills PREDICTION: Bills 34, Dolphins 20