While Sunday’s sports betting matchup between Buffalo and Miami doesn’t look enticing on the surface, both teams are playing for 2012 and after one of the head coaches was fired earlier in the week, the other may be looking over his shoulder as well. Look for the Dolphins to impose their will on the ground in this AFC East affair.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, December 18th, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY
Pick: Miami Dolphins
Why Bet On Miami Dolphins (4-9 SU, 6-7 ATS)
Miami was sunk by a 24-0 second quarter in a 26-10 loss at home to Philadelphia, and it resulted in the firing of head coach Tony Sparano on Monday. Matt Moore was 11-of-19 for 95 yards, a touchdown and a pick before he was knocked out of the game, while Reggie Bush ran for 103 yards on only 14 carries. Moore also lost a fumble, one of two lost fumbles on the day, and the Dolphins aren’t good enough to overcome three turnovers. The offensive line struggled with pass protection all day long as Moore and J.P. Losman were sacked a total of nine times. The defense did well to hold the Eagles to 51 yards on 32 carries and 239 yards in total, and they forced a pair of turnovers, but Philadelphia scored touchdowns on two of their three red-zone trips and gave the Eagles three first downs due to flags.
Moore (head) may have a concussion, so watch the injury report because Losman is the backup. He may be motivated to play against his former team, but Losman is also inconsistent, to be generous. Offensive linemen Jake Long (back) and Vernon Carey (foot) also left the game and that was a major blow to their pass protection. The Dolphins were playing well before this game, but Sparano was in the hot seat from the beginning and a 4-9 record didn’t do him any favors. Miami’s players now need to show that they’re deserving of a job…or they could come up flat on the road against a division rival. Thankfully, it’s against a struggling team.
Why Bet On Buffalo Bills (5-8 SU, 5-7-1 ATS)
Buffalo have now dropped six in a row after a 37-10 blowout in San Diego and head coach Chan Gailey may be the next coach for NFL betting players to wager on to get the hook after a lethargic performance. Ryan Fitzpatrick was 13-of-34 for 176 yards and a pair of picks and the Bills had three interceptions as a team (one of which was returned for a touchdown), gaining only 281 yards. Defensively, the Bills had no answer for anything San Diego did, allowing 150 yards on the ground and 366 as a team and the Chargers scored touchdowns on all three trips to the red zone while Buffalo failed to score on either of their two trips inside the 20-yard line. The Bills were beaten in all aspects of the game and were officially eliminated from the playoffs with their loss to the Chargers, and that may take some of the pressure off this team, who had aspirations of the postseason, but it’s been all downhill since they came off their Week 7 bye. Gailey gave Fitzpatrick a vote of confidence, but he may need one if the Bills lose this game.
Receiver Stevie Johnson (hand) is undergoing tests to check on his injury, while tight end Scott Chandler (ankle) probably won’t play and cornerback Aaron Williams (knee) is doubtful as well for the Bills, who need a strong stretch run. The Bills have hitched their wagon to Fitzpatrick after a huge contract following their hot start, so Gailey could be on the chopping block if Buffalo stumbles into the offseason. Losing Johnson, his best receiver, would be a blow to Fitzpatrick’s chances for success this week, even against Miami’s 25th-ranked pass defense.
How It Will Play Out
Sportsbooks have this game off the NFL betting board as Moore has to be cleared to play this week; if he has a concussion, Losman will start in what may be an ugly game. The Bills are 3-2 SU and ATS in their last five meetings at home against the Dolphins, with three games falling under the posted total. Buffalo is 3-3 ATS at home, while Miami has the same record on the road.
This game will be won on the ground and Miami is third in rushing defense and the Bills’ aerial attack won’t be able to take advantage of the Dolphins’ pass defense. Bush has been resurgent this season and the Bills are 25th against the run, which means they’ll be able to protect whoever their quarterback is. Buffalo is in a downward spiral, so take the Dolphins to claim an online betting victory on the road.
Dolphins Bills Betting Pick: Miami Dolphins