Miami Dolphins @
New England Patriots
Injuries: Dolphins: None, Patriots: HB Ben Gay (Out)
SFL History: The Patriots are 6-0 against the Dolphins in the regular season but 0-1 against the 'Fins in the playoffs.
These two teams know each other well as they play each other 2-4 times per season. Last year the Patriots won both regular season matchups but the Dolphins won 31-23 in the Divisional Playoff round. New England swept the Dolphins again this season, so is a repeat of last year's playoff game in the cards? I don't think so. The Patriots are rolling on both sides of the ball, winning their last three games by an average of
three touchdowns - and one of those games was against these same Dolphins. Chances are this game is closer, within seven points. But would I be shocked at another 30-11 win by the Pats? Nope.
Final Score: New England Patriots 27, Miami Dolphins 22
Washington Redskins @
Carolina Panthers
Injuries: Redskins: CB Champ Bailey (Out), DT Dan Wilkerson (Out), Panthers: HB Duce Staley (Out), SS Mike Minter (Out), DE Julius Peppers (Out), HB Willis McGahee (Out)
SFL History: These are two of the busiest GMs during the offseason ("Bryan Bako"), but they are almost strangers to each other. These teams have only met once in three seasons (Redskins won 30-19 in 2003) and only one player (QB Shane Matthews) is facing his old team in this game.
http://smashmouth-football.net/offseason.php?team=Redskins&year=2004&skin=lphttp://smashmouth-football.net/offseason.php?team=Panthers&year=2004&skin=lpIt's a shame these two teams can't be meeting at full strength, as it would be an even more exciting matchup. As it is, star players like Champ Bailey, Julius Peppers and Willis McGahee will be in street clothes on the sidelines. If both teams were at full strength the line would by Panthers by 3, but the loss of Julius Peppers for this game is significant. McNair should have reasonable time to throw now and he will find Moulds early and often. GM Breckheimer is one of the best at getting his team prepared despite injuries, but it's going to take more than B.J. Askew to prevent a Redskins victory. The Panthers will fight valiantly, probably closing within one score in the fourth quarter, but the Redskins will be heading to the Super Bowl.
Final Score: Washington Redskins 31, Carolina Panthers 27
