NFL Week 3 Picks: New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Sunday, 9/23/12, 1:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: New York -3
Current Betting Line: New York -2.5
Opening Total: 40.5
Current Total: 41.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Colts Jets NFL Preview — New York Jets QB Mark Sanchez is 2-4 in this career against the Miami Dolphins

New York will be challenged by Miami’s running game this week, as it looks to bounce back from a 27-10 setback to the Pittsburgh Steelers as 4.5-point road underdogs. The Jets played that contest without the services of star cornerback Darrelle Revis, but he’s listed as questionable after suffering from symptoms of a concussion. These AFC East rivals have split the season series in each of the last two years. New York is 4-3 ATS as a road favorite the last two-plus season, which is an important factor when making your pro football predictions.

The Jets managed to gain just 219 total yards against the Steelers, which was a far cry from the 384 they totaled in their impressive 48-28 season-opening win against the Buffalo Bills as three-point home favorites. Starting quarterback Mark Sanchez has compiled a losing 2-4 record against Miami, throwing four nine touchdowns and four interceptions. New York’s defense limited Pittsburgh to just 66 yards rushing, which could play an important role in this matchup, considering it’s facing the NFL’s second-leading rusher this week.

Miami has to be thrilled that it didn’t have to wait long to win a game this year, as the franchise went 0-4 during the preseason under first-year head coach Joe Philbin. The Dolphins outscored the Oakland Raiders by 25 points in a dominating 35-13 win as one-point home underdogs last week. “We want to be a team that gets better as the year goes along,” commented Philbin this week. Rookie signal-caller Ryan Tannehill will be making his third start, coming into this divisional game with a passer rating of 62.6. Miami is 12-9 ATS as an underdog over the last two-plus seasons.

The Dolphins will welcome in their former head coach to Sun Life Stadium, as Tony Sparano now serves as the Jets offensive coordinator. Miami should anticipate seeing his “Wildcat package” in all its glory Sunday, especially with Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow getting more accustomed to running the set. On the offensive end, running back Reggie Bush is averaging 120.5 rushing yards per game, trailing only Buffalo’s C.J. Spiller in that category.