Categories
NFL

Miami Dolphins Super Bowl XLIX Betting Lines & 2014 NFL Preview

2014 Miami Predictions

The Dolphins remained in the AFC playoff race deep into December last year, but back-to-back losses to Buffalo and the New York Jets in their final two games extended their current postseason drought to five seasons.

They have won between six and eight games each year during this run, so all they need is a few more victories this year to get into the dance.

2013 Record: 8-8
ATS: 9-7
 Dolphins Odds to win the AFC East: +450
Dolphins Odds to win the AFC Conference: +1900
Dolphins Odds to win Super Bowl XLIX: +5000

Let’s take a look at the NFL Betting numbers

The first thing that Miami will need to do to get those wins is improve an offense that was ranked near the bottom of the league in almost every major category last year. It averaged 312.9 yards which was ranked 27th and its 19.8 points per game was ranked 26th in the league.

The big key to improving all of these numbers is the continued development of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who is entering his third season in the NFL.

He has started all 16 games in his first two seasons, showing some dramatic improvement from his rookie year to his sophomore campaign.

The one area that should definitely be better this year is Miami’s offensive line. It added a pair of big-time tackles by landing Branden Albert from Kansas City through free agency and Ja’Wuan James with the 19th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.

The primary strength of this team remains a defense that ended the 2014 season ranked eighth in points allowed (20.9).
[soliloquy id=”82219″]
Opposing teams were able to move the ball against this unit, especially on the ground where it gave up an average of 124.9 rushing yards per game, but the defense did a good job at keeping them out of the end zone.

One of the biggest offseason additions on this side of the ball was the free agent signing of nose tackle Earl Mitchell, who played for Houston last year. Miami also signed cornerback Cortland Finnegan and safety Louis Delmas as free agents to add some depth to its secondary.

The Dolphins used five of their seven draft picks on offense, but they did select cornerback Walt Aikens in the fourth round and linebacker Jordan Tripp in the fifth to add to the overall depth.

Dolphins Betting Outlook

This could be the most intriguing team in the AFC East this season given that the Dolphins appear to be poised for a breakout year after coming close a couple of times in the past few seasons.

If Tannehill improves as much in his third season as he did from Year 1 to Year 2, this team could win the division, but I think I am getting ahead of myself on that happening.

Miami’s projected win total for the 2014 season has been set at eight with the moneyline favoring the UNDER at -135. The moneyline for the OVER has been set at +105.

Looking at the Dolphins’ schedule this season with the AFC West and the NFC North on the slate, I have them winning nine games this year, which could be just enough for a wildcard berth in the playoffs.

With training camps next up for the NFL betting offseason Cappers Picks NFL Football handicappers have been hard at work putting out the team by team Football Predictions and NFL Season Previews for those of us who can’t wait.

Bet on the Super Bowl XLIX winner, plus 2014/15 Conference and Divisional winners today.

CHECK OUT OUR BEST NFL HANDICAPPERS FOR 2014 – click here now!

By Dave Schwab

David Schwab is a regular contributor to the Cappers Picks Blog. While not cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Eagles David can be found working on his blog at www.eaglesinc.com. David wants to hear from you so please comment below.