Miami Dolphins: 3 Bold predictions vs. Patriots in Week 12

2. A running back will eclipse 100 yards

The Dolphins rushing attack has been one of the worst in the league this season. Miami running backs are averaging just 80.4 yards per game this season. Only three teams have been more anemic in the running game. As bad as that sounds, the Dolphins running backs have looked better in the weeks following the Jay Ajayi trade.

The duo of Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams seem to be far better suited for an Adam Gase-run offense than the new Philadelphia Eagles running back was. That has yet to translate into a 100-yard game, though, as the Dolphins have not had a 100-yard rusher since Week 6 when Ajayi ran for 130 yards in Miami’s comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

This week should be the week that either Drake or Williams busts out and eclipses the 100-yard mark. If the Dolphins are going to have a chance to knock off the Patriots, they’re going to play ball-control offense. Shorten the game. The fewer chances Tom Brady is given to drive the team down the field, the better. From the start, the Dolphins should look to establish the run and take time off the clock. Both Drake and Williams have come relatively close to the 100-yard mark. Sunday would be the time to do it.

There will be yards to be had against the Patriots defense, too. On the season they are tied for eighth in most rushing yards given up per game, allowing opponents to rush for 120 yards a game. That’s asking a lot for a struggling offensive line, but the opportunity is there. Drake and Williams are going to need to capitalize. Williams is likely to receive more carries than Drake, but Drake is a more explosive runner. Both guys have the potential, it will be fun to see which one gets there.