NFL Week 2 Predictions: Oakland Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins

Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins
Sunday, 9/16/12, 1:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: Oakland -3
Current Betting Line: Oakland -2.5
Opening Total: 39.5
Current Total: 37.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Miami Dolphins dominated the Oakland Raiders on the ground last year

Oakland turns its attention to Week 2 of the 2012 NFL season after suffering a 22-14 loss to the San Diego Chargers as one-point home favorites on Monday Night Football. The Raiders actually won the statistical battle by a 321-258 margin, but long snapper problems plagued the team throughout. “I’ve never snapped on the dirt before,” commented backup long snapper Travis Goethel commented. Offensively, the team was able to move the ball, especially in the first half in gaining 204 yards. Oakland is 10-6 ATS on the road the last two-plus seasons.

The Raiders will be racking up plenty of frequent-flier miles over the course of the campaign, with five trips to the Eastern Time Zone, as they will travel a league-high 28,692 air miles this season. Oakland has tallied a 16-14-1 all-time regular-season record against Miami, but suffered a 34-14 setback as 3.5-point road underdogs last year. Quarterback Carson Palmer performed well in the opener, completing 32 of 46 passes for 297 yards.

Miami was unable to score a victory as the biggest road underdog of the opening week, as it was handed a 30-10 setback by the Houston Texans. The Dolphins did manage to gain 275 total yards against one of last year’s best defensive units, as they turned the ball over four times. “I felt like we hurt ourselves more than they really just stopped us,” commented Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill. He finished with 219 yards in this NFL debut, but threw three costly interceptions. Miami is 1-4 ATS as a home underdog the last two-plus seasons.

The Dolphins know they hold a travel advantage in this contest, but many players believe the weather conditions will create an even bigger edge. “I definitely think it’s an advantage,” stated Dolphins left tackle Jake Long. “We practice in this heat in hotter conditions.” Miami’s biggest offensive weapon is definitely running back Reggie Bush, who finished with 69 rushing and 46 receiving yards. The former USC star gained 100 yards in last year’s meeting, which contributed to the Dolphins out-rushing the Raiders by a 209-46 margin.