For the record: The Dolphins continue to fingernail an AFC playoff spot, saving their season with a 22-9 victory Thursday over the Buffalo Bills, their first since 2012.
Streaking: The Dolphins have won four of their past five games, relying on a conservative passing attack and a physical ground game.
Who’s hot: Miami’s defense has similarities to the St. Louis Rams’. The Dolphins pursue quarterbacks and force turnovers. The Dolphins are allowing only 4.7 yards per play, and their 14 passing touchdowns yielded are tied for third overall. Cameron Wake ranks 10th in the NFL with 8½ sacks. Olivier Vernon has 5½ sacks, and the duo has combined to force five fumbles. … RB Lamar Miller rushed for 86 yards against a stout Bills defense.
Who’s not: Buffalo Bills star defensive end Mario Williams punished Dolphins right offensive tackle Dallas Thomas last weekend, posting 3½ sacks. Thomas struggles against power rushers. It won’t become any easier this Sunday if Thomas starts, as he will face Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. Miller (10 sacks this season) and Ware (nine) each posted a sack in the Broncos’ loss to the Rams.
Key stat: The Dolphins have allowed 25 sacks, tied for fifth-highest in the NFL. Is this the week Denver’s pressure translates into turnovers?
He said it: “When we get to a playoff team like Denver and New England, we know those teams are going to score when they get to the red zone. Field goals and turnovers are definitely not going to cut it if we want to be where we want to be in January.” — Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace
