Bills vs. Dolphins: 4 2nd-Half Keys to Victory for Miami

By winning two games in a row, the Miami Dolphins have all but taken themselves out of the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.  

But given how well this not-too-long-ago winless squad has been playing in recent weeks, not too many of their fans are going to care.

The visiting Buffalo Bills are scuffling, coming off their fourth loss in their last six games.  Nevertheless, they still find themselves on the fringes of the AFC playoff picture.

The Dolphins would love nothing more than to play the spoiler, and that's exactly what they've done in the first half, exploding out of the gate toward a huge halftime lead.  

Here's how Miami holds onto it: 

1. Keep It Tight

The Buffalo secondary has enjoyed considerable success this season feasting on opposing quarterbacks.  As well as Matt Moore has played the last couple of games, there's no reason for him to force the issue.  

The Dolphins should be able to have a field day running the ball.  When that fails, feed the tight ends and the backfield options to keep the ball moving and the clock running.  Fasano and Bush—and their fantasy owners—will enjoy the extra attention.  

2. Andrew Luck, Who? 

Will we look back on this season in a couple of years and say that the moment the Dolphins franchise turned a corner was when Chad Henne got injured?

It sounds crazy to say, but Matt Moore has been playing out of his mind.  He looks like a poised leader, sitting back and making quality throws when necessary, displaying confidence with every decision he makes.  

The next step in Moore's development: playing with a huge lead.  He can't put himself in high-risk situations where mistakes are likely.

But if he marches the 'Fins to a blowout victory, this game may have these surprising words etched into its marquee: "Matt Moore's Coming Out Party."

3. Watch Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson has been the Bills' biggest weapon all season long.  Whenever Ryan Fitzpatrick is struggling (and today, boy is he struggling!), he likes to feed Freddie Jax in predictable patterns.  

Let's make sure we know how the progression works: (1) Shut down the Fitz-to-Freddy combo; (2) Shut down the Bills; (3) Win the game.

Got it? Good.

4. Crush the Bills' Playoff Hopes 

Let's be honest—this is Miami's game.  They played a nearly flawless first half of football. Every unit is playing crisp and inspired.  If the Dolphins can pile on in the second half and deliver the Bills their second blowout loss in a row, they will have successfully dealt them their death blow.

I can guarantee Buffalo won't recover from this drubbing.  Moreover, the Dolphins will make people believe they're actually better than the Bills, not the cellar-dwellers they've been all season.