Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: AFC East Betting Preview and Predictions

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
Sunday, 10/27/13, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: New England -7
Current Betting Line: New England -6
Opening Total: 45.5
Current Total: 45
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Patriots Jets AFC Playoff Preview — The New England Patriots have absolutely owned the Miami Dolphins in recent years

Miami has lost three games in a row, including a 23-21 setback to the Buffalo Bills as six-point home favorites in Week 7, while going OVER the betting total for a fifth consecutive contest. “We’re in a tough spot right now,” commented Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The second-year signal-caller has been under tremendous pressure during the entire 2013 NFL campaign, as he’s been sacked a league-high 26 times this year. Miami is 1-6 SU and 4-3 ATS as road underdogs of 3.5 to 7 points the last two-plus seasons, while the UNDER is 4-3 in that situation.

The Dolphins have lost six in a row against the Patriots, which can’t be ignored when making your NFL betting picks Sunday afternoon, including four straight when playing at Gillette Stadium. Miami made a deal with Baltimore Monday for veteran left tackle Bryant McKinnie to help with pass protection, while Jonathan Martin could move to the right tackle position.

New England has alternated wins and losses over its last four contests, as it attempts to bounce back from a 30-27 overtime defeat to the New York Jets as 3.5-point road favorites last week. The Patriots have lost the statistical battle in four of their seven games this season, which is important to consider when looking over the NFL betting lines. A win this Sunday will give the franchise its longest win streak in the regular season against Miami with seven straight wins. New England is 7-1 SU and 4-4 ATS as home favorites of 3.5 to 7 points the last two-plus seasons.

The Patriots own a 61-16 record in the regular season against AFC East opponents, while they’ve gone 21-11 overall at home during the month of October. Since Bill Belichick became New England’s head coach in 2000, the team has compiled a 17-9 record in Miami. Brady owns a 16-6 record in the series, including a 28-0 victory as 11.5-point favorites in last year’s meeting at this venue.