First Look: The Next Round

Miami (12-5) at Oakland (12-4); 1 p.m. Saturday, Channel 2

* When Miami has the ball: The Dolphins rely heavily on Lamar Smith’s running to set up the short passing game. Unfortunately for Miami, this plays into the very strength of an Oakland defense that has allowed an average of 96.9 yards rushing, fifth in the NFL. The Dolphins simply don’t have the type of wide receivers to take advantage of the Raiders’ suspect pass defense. It would be advisable for Miami to avoid a shootout as the last two visitors to Oakland--the New York Jets and Carolina--were blown out by a combined score of 83-16.

* When Oakland has the ball: Rich Gannon’s ability to create while scrambling out of trouble coupled with veteran wide receivers Tim Brown and Andre Rison make the Raiders tough to defend. Miami defensive ends Jason Taylor and Trace Armstrong (31 sacks between them) will battle an Oakland offensive line that has allowed only 28 sacks (tied for fourth in the NFL). The strength of the Miami defense is speed, so look for the Raiders to run play-action passes and trap plays to get the Dolphins off balance.

* X-factor: For the Dolphins to have any hope of winning, Jay Fiedler must play mistake-free against a Raider defense that has rattled much better quarterbacks this season.

* The edge to: Oakland. The only thing the Raiders have to fear is their own penchant for self-destruction. They have superior balance on both sides of the ball and should easily prevail.