Sunday thoughts
Dolphins @ Steelers
These two met in mid October in Miami and there is no two ways about it, the Steelers got thrashed. In their 30-15 win Miami racked up 222 yards of rushing and 474 yards overall. Ajayi was simply a man possessed on that day. Thus began a 4 game skid for the Steelers that basically shaped the rest of their season. After losing the fourth in a row to Dallas a players only meeting was called and the season turned 180 degrees and they went on a 7 game win streak to end their season. That game was also a turning point for Miami as they were just 1-4 entering that game and went on a 9-2 run to finish things out. What was found that day was their running game and their lead back in Ajayi. Ajayi has broken down a bit over the last half of the season and isnt really running the ball with the same authority he did that day. You can also bet that Leveon Bell has this game etched in his memory as the game he was outshined by a then no named running back. Bell has really found his legs coming down the stretch of the season and you can bet he will get more than 10 carries, the amount in their first game, on Sunday. I believe this is the key to the game, Miami is ranked 30th out of 32 teams in rushing yards given up. The Steelers didnt have a chance to get their running game started in the first meeting and Bell only notched 10 carries. I expect that to change Sunday. Moore has played valiantly for Miami but I dont think he has enough to carry the team to a playoff win in Pittsburgh. I just dont feel like Miami has enough firepower to win this game. I think we see Pitt score 28+ in this one and I dont think Miami will keep up.
Giants @ Packers
Yes the Giants have gone to Green Bay and won in the playoffs. On both of their last superbowl runs to be exact. Lets be clear though, this isnt the same Giants team that did that. The only real name left from those teams is Eli Manning. Yes the Giants have a very good defense but this isnt Justin Tuck and Michael Strahan walking into Lambeau this weekend. This Giants team is coming in to face one of the leagues hottest offenses being spearheaded by the leagues hottest QB. Over the last 6 games which were all wins the Packers are averaging 30.8 pts per game. Aaron Rodgers over the last 7 games of the season has thrown for 2018 yards and 18 TD passes with ZERO interceptions. That is white hot. To make things more interesting the Packers have found a running game with Ty Montgomery and fullback Ripkowski. Throwing the threat to run the ball into the mix with a QB that is that hot is a recipe that not even one of the strongest defenses in the league can handle in my opinion. The key to this game is going to be if the sputtering Giants offense can somehow put together a good game vs the Packers defense who are banged up beyond recognition at the moment. The Packers cant afford to have anymore injuries in a secondary that had safeties playing man to man coverage last week because so many went down. Can the Giants score enough to stay in this game? I dont think so. This is a team averaging under 20 per game on the season and they have only scored 28 or more one time all year. I like the Packers to win by double digits in this game actually and I will most likely be on the team total over for the Packers if I can get anything to my liking. Rodgers knows with the aching defense he is going to have to put up a big number to be comfortable here. With Jordy Nelson back in the mix they look nearly unstoppable lately on offense.
