They say that the third week of the NFL Preseason is the most important. It is hard to disagree with those thoughts. The starters will play the whole first half and final cuts will be made to rosters as teams shape their units for the coming season. The Atlanta Falcons head to Miami to play this ever important game. Let’s take a look into how it should shape up.
NFL Betting: Atlanta Falcons @ Miami Dolphins
Why To Bet On The Falcons
The Falcons were handled pretty easily by the New England Patriots in the second week by a score of 28-10. That is not to say there were not encouraging signs. Mind you, most of the damage was done when the reserves were in. Though the Atlanta run defense gave up some yardage to Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris, the secondary did a good job limiting Tom Brady and Wes Welker. The Falcons first team offense moved the ball much better than in their first action and Matt Ryan was effective, completing 8-of-13 passes for 76 yards. The Falcons are going to use a sound rushing attack and open the playbook up more in an attempt to stop the Dolphins in their tracks.
Why To Bet on the Dolphins
The Dolphins and Jaguars had to sit through thunderstorms before their week two game got underway. After that, the Dolphins did a good job in making it rain themselves, as they put up 27 points, and were able to eke out a one-point victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, 27-26. Chad Henne proved why he is the Dolphins starting quarterback as he helped tear up the Jaguars first team defense. Henne finished 11-of-14 with 151 yards and two scores, both to tight end Anthony Fasano. New acquisition, wide receiver Brandon Marshall, also gelled with Henne, catching four passes for 65 yards. The new-look Dolphins offense seems to be clicking, and it may be tough for the Falcons to contain them.
How the Game Will Play Out
The reserves are going to finish the game but it is the starters who may very well determine the outcome. This is a very close game to call, with two teams who made the playoffs two season ago trying to redeem themselves after being on the outside looking in last year. I expect that Miami will take a close one, led by the new duo of Henne and Marshall, which may be too much for even the improved Atlanta secondary to contain.
Falcons Dolphins Betting Pick: Miami Dolphins