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2016 NFL Season: Picking The Week One Winners

By Erik Lambert

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) has his pass knocked down by Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during a NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Cowboys 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks

Quite the stiff opening test for rookie head coach Adam Gase, having to visit one of the loudest venues in the NFL and face the always dangerous Seattle Seahawks. It’s going to take every bit of his keen offensive mind to go against the Legion of Boom defense, which looks strong as ever. Couple that with Russell Wilson looking like an MVP in the making and it’s hard to see how the Miami Dolphins win this game. Then again, if they can beat the Patriots they have a chance.

Notable Injuries:

Chris Culliver (MIA) – Signing the veteran corner was a wise move for the Dolphins given the questions in their secondary. Bad luck that he’s dealing with a knee injury that lands him on the PUP list. He’ll be out six games, leaving the Dolphins to figure out their coverage concerns in another way.

Jordan Hill (SEA) – Hill was slated to be a starting defensive tackle for the Seahawks entering this season. A nagging groin injury made that impossible. Odds are he’ll go on short-term injured reserve while rookie 2nd round pick Jarran Reed assumes his spot as starter. That may have been a big reason they traded up to get him in the draft.

Key Matchup:

Michael Bennett vs. Laremy Tunsil

A classic veteran against a rookie showdown. Michael Bennett is one of the top defensive ends in football who is a handful for any blocker. Laremy Tunsil was hailed as the most gifted offensive tackle in the draft and the Dolphins’ 1st round pick. He’ll have to stay on his toes if he’s going handle the heavy load of stopping Bennett. Otherwise it will be a long day for Ryan Tannehill.

Prediction:  Seahawks win 28-14

Next: NYG @ DAL

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