Dolphins vs Patriots Betting / Handicapping
In New England there is talk that Bill Belichick called in a few IOUs and got the NFL and networks to move the starting time to 4:25 so the Pats could get a better look at the AFC playoff landscape (in other words, know the result of the 1 p.m.
Miami Dolphins (7-8) at New England Patriots (11-4)
Sunday, Dec. 30
Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass.
4:25 p.m. EST
Spread – Patriots -10 at WagerWeb
O/U – 46
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Houston-Indianapolis game) to determine whether it’s worth it to risk the health of Tom Brady and several banged-up key players in a game that would have no effect on playoff position.
The Patriots can get a playoff bye if things break right on Sunday in Indy or Denver. The Colts have to beat the Texans or the Chiefs have to figure out a way to take down the Broncos. With the Broncos expected to carve up KC in a game that starts the same time as Miami-NE, Belichick’s best shot is in Indy.
If the Texans beat the Colts in the 1 p.m. game, the Pats figure to rest Brady, Aaron Hernandez, Aqib Talib and a few ailing offensive linemen against the Dolphins. But a Houston loss and NE win moves both teams to 12-4, and the Pats would get (at least) the 2 seed since they crushed the Texans a few weeks back.
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How exactly the Patriots got the game moved to 4:25 is anyone’s guess, but a discreet call from Bob Kraft to the league office on a secure line is the odds-on favorite.[soliloquy id=”82219″]
Assuming the Patriots need/want this one, they should get it. Belichick has reportedly ordered nasty weather this weekend in southeastern Massachusetts, where Gillette is located, and it’s almost cruel and unusual punishment to force the Dolphins to abandon 80-degree temps and deal with snow, sleet and cold in New England.
The game? Well, the Patriots have been scolded all week by Brady, who started yelling at the team on the sidelines in that almost-humiliating game against the Jaguars in Jacksonville last Sunday, and hasn’t let up.
The offense – still missing Rob Gronkowski, although he may play this Sunday if the game matters – sputtered and old questions about the secondary resurfaced. The Pats’ defense, which had been improving, took a huge step back and needed a late interception to avoid overtime against the Jags.
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Lots of moving parts here, and the line and/or vig could be adjusted in the hour before kickoff as books try to figure out what NE will do as the Pats monitor the Houston-Indy game.
Pay absolutely no attention to what Belichick says and assume you’ll see Brady if the Texans are winning and at least two quarters of Ryan Mallett if the Colts look like they’ll pull an upset.
If the bad weather includes wind, hit the under.
