‘Kroft was on the Covid list last month as a close contact of cornerback Josh Norman, who had tested positive, and did not play against Arizona in Week 10.’
Archives for January 3, 2021
Scouting report: Look for Bills to bring the heat against Dolphins rookie QB
‘Prediction: Bills 24, Dolphins 20.’
3 matchups to watch for Dolphins at Bills
‘Miami tight ends vs. Bills safeties. The Dolphins’ tight ends have produced 82 catches for 969 yards and 11 touchdowns, which amounts to the best collective production from the position in Miami team history. Mike Gesicki, a second-round pick from 2018, is tied for 13th among NFL tight ends with 48 catches for 656 yards. Durham Smythe, a fourth-round pick from 2018, has 23 for 185 yards. Gesicki had eight catches for 130 yards and a TD in the Week 2 game vs. Buffalo. Starting receiver Jakeem Grant is expected to miss the game. Top wideout DeVante Parker is dealing with a sore hamstring. Miami will need Gesicki to produce.’
Bills’ Josh Allen will receive votes for NFL MVP. But enough to win? We asked voters
‘Rodgers, the Green Bay quarterback, is the heavy favorite, receiving 2/9 odds from BetOnline.ag, followed by Mahomes (13/4), the Kansas City quarterback, then Allen (9/1). Tennessee running back Derrick Henry, a distant fourth at 22/1 a week ago, is off the board.’
Inside the Bills: Rookie class contributed more than could have been expected
‘Heading into Week 17, just 19.91% of the team’s snaps have been played by rookies or second-year players, a total that ranks 27th in the NFL. Compare that to two years ago, when the Bills headed into the final week of the 2018 season with 37.6% of their snaps taken by players falling into that category, third most in the NFL.’
Bills Mailbag: How should the offense go about replacing Cole Beasley?
‘In that case, I’d say insurance more than anything. Of course, John Brown’s status factors into that, as well. If those two are healthy, they join Stefon Diggs as the obvious top three receivers for quarterback Josh Allen. Rookie Gabriel Davis is the clear No. 4, too, and I don’t see Stills unseating him at this point. Things look a lot different if Beasley and/or Brown aren’t able to play, though. In that case, Davis could move into the slot. That could open a spot outside for Stills, who had averaged 14.5 yards per reception over his previous three seasons coming into 2020. Even the threat of a deep ball could open things up for the other receivers.’
Voice of the Fan: Changing of the Guardians in AFC East and beyond
‘This team is full of confidence, calmness and cockiness; a lethal combination.’
Rivalry reborn? Bills, Dolphins could make playoffs in same year for first time since 1999
‘Dolphins 17, Bills 13.’
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: Live stream, how to watch, odds, playoff scenarios
‘Fans can stream the game live on the fuboTV. The Yahoo! Sports app also allows fans to watch the game on mobile devices if the user is within the CBS broadcast radius.’
Bills’ Josh Allen reportedly to play vs. Dolphins, make ‘one last MVP stand’
‘Apparently the plan is to play “many key guys,” including quarterback Josh Allen.’
Tyler Kroft tests positive for Covid, Bills call up 4 for game vs. Dolphins
‘This is Kroft’s second stint on the Reserve/Covid list. He was placed there on November 14 and spent five days out of the team’s facility because he was determined to be a close contact when Dawson Knox tested positive. He returned five days later.’
Can Bills stop Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins with backups? (5 things to watch)
‘McDermott’s response should come as no surprise, but don’t be surprised if key starters play one quarter at most with others possibly sitting altogether.’
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins 2020: Preview, odds, predictions for Week 17
‘Dolphins 16, Bills 13.’
Who will Bills play on Wild Card weekend? Every opponent scenario
‘To claim the two seed, Buffalo simply needs to defeat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday or have the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh is resting Ben Roethlisberger in Week 17 so the team does not seem overly concerned with leapfrogging Buffalo for the two seed. That said, upsets happen almost every week in the NFL and a few could occur on the final weekend of regular season play.’
How to watch Bills vs. Dolphins in regular season finale: TV channel, time, live stream information
‘Buffalo may rest some starters for the matchup or pull starters at some point, but ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that quarterback Josh Allen is expected to play as he makes one last push for NFL MVP. If Allen is playing, there is no doubt that Buffalo’s starting offensive line and some key receivers will also play for the Bills until the team gives the ball over to Matt Barkley.’
Five takes: Bills looking to remain hot, healthy in matchup with desperate Dolphins
‘However, grabbing the two-seed would guarantee the Bills a chance at two home playoff games. And that’s something the Bills may value more than people expect.’
Rivalry revision? How the Miami Dolphins exorcise 30 years of demons by beating Bills
‘This is all an elaborate way of saying the Bills, for decades now, have been a big-time pain in the backside for the Miami Dolphins. They’ve wrecked seasons, derailed careers and devastated fans. And they have have a chance to do it once again this Sunday.’
Sunday’s Miami Coverage
Miami Dolphins will be without two rotational linebackers vs. Buffalo Bills (Miami Herald)
Rivalry revision? How the Miami Dolphins exorcise 30 years of demons by beating Bills (Miami Herald)
Dolphins dealt one final 2020 blow but this one could be an opportunity for Tua Tagovailoa | Opinion (Miami Herald)
An early look at Dolphins’ options with top 10 draft pick it’s getting from Houston Texans (Miami Herald)
Dolphins defender, special teams standout to miss Sunday’s critical game against Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Hyde: Two Sunday hopes like never before for the Miami Dolphins | Commentary (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Here’s what the Dolphins have to do to beat the Bills (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Who has the edge? Dolphins at Bills, with playoffs on the line (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Staff predictions: Miami Dolphins (10-5) at Buffalo Bills (12-3) (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Game time: Fast facts, injury report and key info for Miami Dolphins (10-5) at Buffalo Bills (12-3) (South Florida Sun Sentinel)
In win-and-in game, Miami Dolphins’ defense can take pressure off Tua Tagovailoa (Palm Beach Post)
Season of COVID: How NFL, Miami Dolphins navigated a ‘remarkable’ year (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins’ Ryan Fitzpatrick tests positive for COVID-19 (Palm Beach Post)
Who could Miami Dolphins draft and what might they get in deal of third overall pick? (Palm Beach Post)
Miami Dolphins-Buffalo Bills predictions all over the place (Palm Beach Post)
How to watch Dolphins vs. Bills (Palm Beach Post)
Dolphins Know They Have a Dogfight Against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday (El Nuevo Herald)
Dolphins playoff picture: How Miami can clinch AFC wild-card berth vs. Bills (The Sporting News)
Three Keys | John Congemi Previews Dolphins at Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)
Countdown to Kickoff | Dolphins at Bills (MiamiDolphins.com)
Bills playoff picture: Breaking down Buffalo’s seeding scenarios in NFL bracket for Week 17
‘Since the Bills beat the Steelers on Sunday Night Football earlier this season, they’ll hold the head-to-head tiebreaker on Pittsburgh in any instance where they have the same record. A Bills win against the Dolphins guarantees that scenario and gives Buffalo the No. 2 seed.’
Bills place Tyler Kroft on Reserve/COVID-19 list after positive test
‘Due to the league’s 10-day isolation protocols for positive tests, Kroft will not only miss Sunday’s regular season finale against the Miami Dolphins, he also won’t be eligible to return in time to play in their first playoff game next weekend.’
Opinion: Dolphins at Bills: Sal’s keys, notes and stats
‘As far as trying to be up on the scoreboard at the end, they’ll also need to protect the football against a very opportunistic Dolphins defense. Miami leads the National Football League in both total takeaways with 27 and interceptions with 16. Cornerback Xavien Howard leads the NFL with nine interceptions.’
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a GIANT Bills pennant!
‘You need only to look to the sky over downtown Buffalo to see the giant 40 foot wide ‘Let’s go Buffalo’ pennants atop of the Seneca One tower, the tallest building in Buffalo.’
Bills tight end Tyler Kroft tests positive for COVID-19; four practice squad players elevated
‘Kroft has three touchdown catches this season including a game winning touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3.’
Let’s Go Buffalo! Oxford Pennant partners with Seneca One Tower to help cheer on Bills for playoffs
‘“The Bills go big for Buffalo, so Oxford Pennant went big for the Bills,” said Dave Horesh, co-founder of Oxford Pennant. “It’s been an incredibly difficult year for so many in our community, and the Bills have been a source of happiness. We want people to see this and unite in our excitement and pride in our hometown during this special time for our team and region.”’
WKBW sports staff predicts Bills vs. Dolphins Week 17 match up
‘While I do think we’ll see Allen and company for a few possessions, I’d be pretty surprised if they played the entire game. Last year in the season finale against the Jets, the starters played a few possessions and then sat down for the rest of the afternoon. I’d expect something similar against the Dolphins. Miami needs a win and the Bills need to be healthy.’
Bills TE Tyler Kroft placed on COVID-19 list
‘Along with placing Kroft on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, the Bills elevated tight end Nate Becker, cornerback Dane Jackson, defensive end Mike Love and running back Antonio Williams from the practice squad.’
Bills place tight end Tyler Kroft on reserve/COVID list
‘The Bills say they learned of the test Saturday morning. Kroft has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.’
Chad Johnson visits Buffalo for NFL show, sees promise in Bills
‘”Every team is a quarterback away, and the reason for their success is it comes down to one name, and one person, and that’s Josh Allen,” he said.’
Medical expert: Bills playoff game raises more COVID concerns at home, less at stadium
‘Dr. Russo said he’s more concerned about the people who may be gathering with friends at home to watch the game rather than those watching in person.’
Let’s Go Buffalo: 40-foot-long pennants adorn Seneca One Tower
‘Buffalo-based Oxford Pennant, Ace Flag, and M&T Bank decided the best way to celebrate the Bills being atop the AFC East was with pennants atop Buffalo’s tallest building.’
Week 17 Preview: Buffalo Bills host Miami Dolphins
‘The Bills already won the AFC East title this season — the first time in 25 years — and are battling solely for playoff seeding. A win will keep the Bills ahead of Pittsburgh for the second seed in the AFC, which — this postseason — does not include a bye.’
Tight end Tyler Kroft tests positive for COVID-19
‘Kroft will miss the first round of the playoffs due to his diagnosis as well. According to the latest league protocols, players confirmed positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days, even with ensuing negative tests or lack of symptoms in that time frame. The Bills did not announce any close contacts with Kroft.’
Thad’s Three Things: Bills vs. Dolphins
‘The biggest question on the Bills side is simply how much will anyone play. Last year with absolutely nothing on the line in the season finale against the Jets, all the top starters were on the field for less than a quarter of snaps. Josh Allen was under center for just seven plays.’
Bills Tyler Kroft tests positive for COVID
‘There’s also the chance that other players will have to quarantine as a result of contract tracing from Kroft’s diagnosis.’
Bills tight end Tyler Kroft tests positive for COVID-19
‘This marks the second positive COVID case for the team in the last week, as T.J. Yeldon was added to the list last Sunday. Per league protocol, if Kroft experienced symptoms, he’d have to sit out at least 10 days after symptoms first appeared, which means he may miss Buffalo’s first home playoff game next weekend.’
Tyler Kroft placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list + four players elevated for Bills vs. Dolphins
‘The Bills have elevated the following players from the practice squad for tomorrow’s game: TE Nate Becker, CB Dane Jackson, DE Mike Love and RB Antonio Williams.’
What Bills fans need to know about the 2020 AFC playoff picture | Week 17
‘The first is simple. Beat the Dolphins, and the Bills clinch the No. 2 seed and a second home playoff game should they advance past the wild-card round. If the Bills lose to the Dolphins, they would still clinch the No. 2 seed with a Browns win against the Steelers.’
Bills vs. Dolphins | NFL game predictions | Week 17
‘If the Bills win this, they will lock up the second seed. Josh Allen is playing great right now, but the Miami defense has been outstanding. This will be a real challenge for the Buffalo offense. The problem is Miami’s offense is struggling with Tua Tagovailoa. Buffalo will take advantage of that and win this one to get the second seed.’
Bills vs. Dolphins Week 17 | How to watch, stream and listen
‘In addition to Buffalo and Miami, the game will air throughout the state of Florida and in Fresno, California.’
Bills Today | 6 milestones that can be reached in Buffalo’s regular season finale
‘With a win today, the Bills would finish 13-3 and tie the franchise record for wins in a season (also had 13 in 1990 & 1991). The Bills would also be victorious in their final six games of the season and post the best finish to a season ever (won last 4 games in 1973 & 1993).’