Raiders vs Dolphins Week 13 Gambling Preview
The Oakland Raiders lost their starting quarterback to a broken right collarbone in mid-October. Who would have thought at the time that the player they would pick up to take over at that position would drastically improve their offense?
Venue/Stadium: Sun Life Stadium, Miami, Florida
Time/Date: 1:00 PM ET – Sunday December 4, 2011
NFL Odds from Bodog
Money Line: Raiders -150
Spread (ATS): Raiders -3
Over/Under: 43
Oakland didn’t waste any time calling the Cincinnati Bengals and sending a ton the other way in return for Carson Palmer, and after struggling through the early adjustment period, the move is paying off as the Raiders have won three straight.
Palmer has thrown for at least 299 yards in three of Oakland’s last four games, and with running back Darren McFadden nursing a foot injury his breakout with the club could not have come at a better time.
The Raiders still rely on Michael Bush to carry the league’s fourth-ranked rushing attack, but with Palmer looking more and more comfortable within the offense every passing week, the adjustment without McFadden has been much easier.
While the offense will take much of the credit, Oakland’s defense has also been good, including three interceptions against the Chicago Bears a week ago that were the difference in that win. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
While the Raiders have won three in a row, the Dolphins are coming off of a streak of their own, after narrowly losing to the Dallas Cowboys 20-19 on the road.
Miami has found a way to put up big points on offense while tightening things up on the defensive side of the ball, but their inability to hold the Cowboys late last week resulted in them losing that game.
Quarterback Matt Moore has led the Dolphins to consecutive home wins, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they should be the favorites for this game.
Considering that the surging Denver Broncos are just a game back of the Raiders for the top spot in the AFC West, and that Oakland will travel to Lambeau Field to play the undefeated Green Bay Packers the following week, this is a must-win situation for Palmer and company.
The Raiders have won four of their dive road games this season, and there is no reason to think that they won’t be able to carry the momentum of three straight victories as they march through Sun Life Stadium.
NFL Betting Pick: Raiders
