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Phin Phanatic staff predictions: Wildcard edition

By Matthew Stevens

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) is tripped up by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker (11) is tripped up by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ross Cockrell (31) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the first time since 2008, Miami will participate in the NFL playoffs.  In a week 6 rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers, how will the Dolphins fare?

James Anderson

Having allowed opposing receivers to have 150 yard games the past two weeks is concerning but having Maxwell back might help elevate that although it is not looking likely early in the week.   If ProFootballFocus (PFF) season grades designating guard Bushrod  as the worst at run blocking holds weight then run left or misdirection to the right might help get the run going.

The first time the Dolphins beat the Steelers shouldn’t be a prerequisite because they play much better at home and Big Ben, while only out a little last match-up, he was said to be hurt.  With so many key injuries mounting it will be a hard win but stranger things have happened this season.  Prediction:  Dolphins 31  Steelers 30

Sean Denison

Plagued with injury, the Dolphins’ defense faces a tough task on Sunday against the potent Pittsburgh Steelers offense. The Dolphins MUST rely on getting pressure on Big Ben, or things may get ugly quick.

On offense, look for the Dolphins to utilize their biggest weapon: Jay Ajayi. Also, look for Gase to call on Matt Moore to take several shots downfield early in the game. It will be tough sledding for the Dolphins to pull out a victory in frigid temperatures.

Although the underdog, look for the Dolphins to put up one hell of a fight against a team they beat earlier in the season. This time around, however, I expect a different outcome.  Prediction:  Steelers 27  Dolphins 16

Eric Frostbutter

This game has the potential for a shootout. We’ve heard all week about how great Pittsburgh’s offense is, and the weapons they have but Miami’s offense is pretty good too though. They may surprise some people who are not Dolphins fans. It will be tough for the Dolphins defense to contain the Steelers, however. Miami’s defense is not nearly as healthy as they were when these teams met in Week 6, and we’ve seen the struggles these past couple of weeks. The offense will keep the Dolphins in it though, and I believe a late Matt Moore touchdown will give Miami the upset victory.  Prediction:  Dolphins 37  Steelers 34

Scott Lascari

When these teams played in Week 6, Miami pulled the upset by catching the Steelers sleeping, running the ball, limiting Pittsburgh’s offense, and hobbling Big Ben.  This time, Pittsburgh is looking forward to the rematch, will be intent on stopping the running game and forcing Matt Moore to make plays.  On offense, Pittsburgh will pound the ball while also taking advantage of Miami’s depleted secondary.  In addition, the temperatures will be nearly 70 degrees colder than when these team last played, and Pittsburgh is the far healthier team this time around.  Hopefully, the Dolphins can prove the naysayers, ESPN, the Las Vegas line, and all other doubters wrong.  But I sadly believe the season will end this weekend in Pittsburgh.  Prediction:  Steelers 20  Dolphins 10

Tyler Olson

The push for Super Bowl 51 starts now.  Miami is only three games away from reaching their goal.  After a 1-4 start, we know this team shows plenty of fight when the rest of the NFL is shoving their faces in the dirt.

The ‘jump-start’ to this season started against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week six.  So why can’t another winning streak start this Sunday?  Sure, Miami is almost a completely different team on defense.  But the defense doesn’t need to be on the field if Jay Ajayi and the Dolphins offense can control the clock.

The last two weeks I predicted Miami to lose.  While they won the shootout against Buffalo they came back and got a whooping against the almighty Patriots.  It’s do-or-die time.  Prediction:  Dolphins 23  Steelers 20

Matthew Stevens

There is no logical reason to pick the Dolphins to win this week in Pittsburgh.  The Steelers are healthier.  They have the better players at QB, RB, and WR.  The Dolphins defense has been historically bad this year.  Finally, Miami has historically played badly when travelling north.

All that being said, Miami has ‘bucked the odds’ all year.  With an overwhelming majority of the “experts” writing them off the Dolphins stick it to the world!  Prediction:  Dolphins 20  Steelers 17

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