AFCE Fallout Puts Phins in Prime Position
It wasn’t always pretty, but the Phins’ win was exciting & big for the future
The Miami Dolphins took down the LA Chargers in a wild one, the Bills lost to the Jets, who lost Aaron Rodgers for the season, and the Patriots lost to the Eagles. Miami is now tied for 1st place in the division with the Jets, who don’t have a real option at the most important position in football: quarterback. Now, with the Pats up next and three very manageable games after that sandwiched around the away meeting against the Bills, the road is wide open.
Phins couldn’t ask for a better spot post-Week 1
Nothing is guaranteed… but boy-oh-boy, this couldn’t have shaken out any better for the Phins.
The New York Jets could have been a true monster to overcome with Rodgers. While still tough without him, they are clearly a step behind Miami now. The loss of Rodgers diminishes a division opponent and a team that could have taken a Wildcard spot. Miami is in a much better spot to win the division and is currently leading in the odds with the best pay per head at +140 to win the east over even the Bills.
The Bills who have ruled the East, and were the best bet to win it again just a week ago, look like they just can’t stop getting in their own way. No doubt the Bills are talented and tough with Josh Allen and that defense. But I don’t like or trust Ken Dorsey their OC, so I expect Allen to be given too much and press too hard to carry the team and the Bills being erratic again this season. This leaves the toughest team in the division wounded and limping due to injuries from within, which are the worst wounds to have.
This is why this week’s game against the Patriots is so critical.
If Miami can steal a home game from the Patriots and move to 2-0, they will be in a great spot to cripple any tie-breakers from a division opponent. Putting the Pats in a tough spot to catch Miami in the division, the Jets having 16 games left without a real QB option would most likely all but create a two-horse race with the Bills.
Now wouldn’t that be sweet?
Phins look good in the division and in the conference
With the Chargers beaten and appearing less than expected, the Browns losing their Left Tackle Conklin for the season, the Steelers’ toughness looking like a pipe dream, the Ravens getting a ton of injuries, and the Chiefs looking vulnerable without a real receiving group, the Phins are in prime position in the AFC Conference as well as the AFC East!
Again, this is why the Patriots game is so critical.
The Phins must seize the momentum and strangle every last drop they can get out of it.
A victory over the Patriots this week would put them 0-2 and also give a big nudge to ‘the cheat’ toward getting canned. Now wouldn’t that be a perfect way to celebrate the year Zach Thomas went to the Hall of Fame!