NFL Predictions Week 12: Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos
By Erik Lambert
One of the marquee matchups of week 12 features the red-hot Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos. How do the NFL predictions shake out here?
Subplots
Peyton Manning must deal with another top defense
Things are certainly not as easy as they were in 2013 for Peyton Manning. Part of that is scheduling. This year his offense has been forced to run a gauntlet of top defenses in the league. It started with the Patriots, who intercepted him twice and happened again last week against the gritty Rams who did the same and also knocked some of his best weapons out with injuries. Now Manning must face the Dolphins who boast the #2 defense in the league.
Key Matchup
C.J. Anderson against Dolphins front seven
Part of the problem for Manning is he’s not getting much help from the Denver Broncos ground game. The loss of Knowshon Moreno is proving harder to absorb than initially thought as injuries and poor play wreak havoc on the offensive balance. Hopes are high that second-year man C.J. Anderson can get things going. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry on the season but will need an honest commitment from the team as he prepare to face a stout Dolphins front seven.
Fantasy Players To Watch
Mike Wallace – WR
The Miami Dolphins will certainly try to take a page from the Rams playbook and focus their air attack on Sunday against rookie Broncos corner Bradley Roby. Though he has had some good games this year, he’s really struggled in four of the past five games, especially in coverage. Miami should look to get their biggest threat, Mike Wallace matched up on the youngster. Wallace is due for a breakout game.
Jacob Tamme – TE
For Denver, their passing could be without a key weapon in Julius Thomas who is questionable with an injury. At the same time, from a fantasy perspective this could mean they look to reserve Jacob Tamme for help. While not as explosive as Thomas, the veteran tight end has proven himself reliable catching passes. If the Dolphins don’t give him enough respect, Manning is certain to look his way on key down and in the red zone.
Pick: MIA 20, DEN 23