
Today’s game against the Dolphins has seeding implications and incentive implications for the players. It is a delicate balance for Mike Vrabel and his staff as they try to manage playing, inventive and getting the win.
Here are five match ups to watch in today’s game.
Bradley Chubb vs. Will Campbell: Campbell is back and while this isn’t an ideal first match up coming off an injury, the veteran Chubb should give the rookie all he can handle and help get him back into game shape ahead of the playoffs.
Kayshon Boutte vs. Jack Jones: Boutte should be back this week from a concussion and he has a favorable match up against old friend Jack Jones who plays LCB for Miami. Do not be surprised if the Patriots test Jones early and take a shot with Boutte. Getting Boutte back into the swing of things in the passing game will be a priority today.
Quinn Ewers vs. Patriots Secondary: Ewers has held his own thus far but he will have his hands full with the Patriots ball hawking secondary. Disguising and moving pre-snap will be a key to confusing the rookie quarterback and forcing him into bad throws.
Ifeatu Melifonwu vs. Henry Henry: Henry has a big incentive day on tap. He needs 5 catches to reach 60 catches on the season and a $250,000 dollar incentive. Henry will be targeted early and often and the match up is favorable against the former Grafton High School standout.
Rasul Douglas vs. Stefon Diggs: Diggs has $1 million in incentives on the line Sunday. He needs eight receptions to finish this season with 90 and collect another $500,000 in incentives, and 30 receiving yards to finish this season with 1,000 and collect another $500,000. It won’t be easy against the veteran Douglas but after the week he had, Diggs will be plenty motivated.