Miami Dolphins (0-6 SU, 0-6 ATS) at New York Giants (4-2 SU, 3-2-1 ATS)
Sunday October 30th, 2011. 1:00PM EST, NFL Week 8
MetLife Stadium East Rutherford, N.J.
By Jay Horne, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Mia +10/NYG -10
Over/Under Total: OFF
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The Miami Dolphins blew a 15-0 lead with less than 3 minutes remaining last week which allowed the Denver Broncos to eventually come from behind and steal the victory in overtime. The embarrassing letdown was just another of many this season as the Dolphins lost yet another close game while falling to 0-6 on the season. This week Miami attempts to capture that elusive first win of the season when they go on the road to battle the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
For the Giants, they enter this Sunday’s game fresh off a bye week with some extra time to rest for the upcoming battle with the struggling Dolphins. However, bye weeks have not been kind for teams around the league this season as NFL teams are a combined 3-9 SU coming off the bye week so far this year. Of course new rule changes mandated that teams take at least 4 straight days off during their bye week causing less time for actual practice/preparation. That new change seems to have negatively impacted teams returning from a bye this year and the G-Men look to avoid that negative trend this Sunday.
For the Giants, they will enter this Sunday’s match-up as sizeable favorites over the Dolphins and rightfully so. Throw out the first week of the season and the Giants have scored at least 25 points in every game this season. Compare that statistic to a Miami team that has failed to reach 25 points at all this season and you quickly understand why the Dolphins are significant underdogs this Sunday. The offensive concerns previously hinted at surrounding Miami has been the major problem all season long. The Dolphins have moved the ball decently, but have failed to find ways to turn yards into points.
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On the season, Miami ranks 15th in total offense which is middle of the pack compared to other teams in the NFL. However, the Dolphins have averaged just 15 points per game this season which is the 3rd lowest of any NFL team in the league. QB Chad Henne was lost for the season with a shoulder injury giving way to backup quarterback Matt Moore to take the starting role. However, Moore has thrown just 1 touchdown compared to 3 picks so far this season and shown no sign to improve the struggling passing game. WR Brandon Marshall is the only true “star” on offense, but his numbers have suffered due to the passing struggles as well. Marshall has still posted 483 receiving yards through the first 6 games, but he has actually played better than the numbers suggest.
Outside of the struggles at the quarterback position, the Dolphins have also failed to find any type of success on the ground. Running back Daniel Thomas leads the team with just 302 yards on the ground and tailback Reggie Bush has not been a factor with an additional 232 yards on the ground. Therefore, the Dolphins offense is still searching for answers. While it appears that there will not be any drastic improvements any time soon on offense, the Dolphins still have the players to move the football through the air if they can get better play from Moore behind center. If that happens, the Dolphins close losses may start turning into close wins.
The 4-2 Giants are currently alone in 1st place in the NFC East and desperately need to keep winning to stay on top of the division. For the Giants, their defense has not played extremely well this season but the offense has played strong to make up for it. Despite 5 picks on the year, QB Eli Manning has been solid completing 64% passing for 1,778 yards with 11 touchdowns. WR Hakeem Nicks has gotten off to a great start this season racking up 508 yards with 3 scores through the first 6 games. WR Victor Cruz has not disappointed either racking up 398 yards with 3 additional touchdowns as well.
Those numbers combine to equal a Giants passing attack that currently ranks 7th in the NFL which is solid to say the least. As long as the Giants keep playing well on offense, they are going to be tough to beat because the defense has too much talent not to improve as the season progresses. This week the defense simply has to avoid giving up any big plays to that Miami offense and force QB Matt Moore into bad situations that possibly result into turnovers. If the defense does not give up any big plays, the Giants offense should take care of the rest.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Giants -10.
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