Surprising Miami Dolphins Host Defensive Minded Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS, 2-3 O/U) and the Miami Dolphins (2-3 SU, 3-2 ATS, 3-2 O/U) have been two of the most surprising teams in the league this season, fielding highly competitive teams despite owning similar 2-3 losing records heading into this matchup at Dolphins Stadium.
Both rebuilding teams are coming off Week 6 losses, though it was the Dolphins that actually had a chance to get on the plus side of the win column in the BetUS Sportsbook with their close 29-28 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday.
Despite the loss, the Dolphins managed to cover as three-point underdogs just as I predicted in the BetUS Locker Room last week as quarterback Chad Pennington completed 19 of 25 passes for 284 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Blossoming wide receiver Patrick Cobbs caught three passes for 138 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the narrow loss and running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams each added touchdown runs.
The Ravens were absolutely obliterated by the Indianapolis Colts, losing on the road, 31-3 in failing to cover as 4-point underdogs in Week 6.
Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco completed 28 of 38 passes for 241 yards but was picked off three times and sacked four times.
Here is a look at the key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Gambling Free Picks:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 6 games when playing on the road against Miami
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Baltimore’s last 7 games when playing Miami
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Baltimore’s last 12 games
Baltimore is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
Miami is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing at home against Baltimore
Miami is 10-2 ATS in its last 12 games when playing Baltimore
Miami is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games when playing Baltimore
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Miami’s last 6 games when playing at home against Baltimore
NFL Odds
Baltimore Ravens +2½ Ev
Miami Dolphins -2½ -120
Over 36½ -110
Under 36½ -110
Analysis: I’ll admit that this may be the toughest selection on the board this week as the Ravens have the better defensive team, but Miami is the superior offensive team and will be playing at home.
In the end, I say take the Dolphins to win this contest by three in what looks like a classic field goal contest.
