Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers
Sunday, 10/2/11, 4:15 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: San Diego -9
Current Betting Line: San Diego -7
Opening Total: 46.5
Current Total: 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Miami is 0-3 on the season and on the road for a second consecutive week after dropping a 17-16 decision to the Cleveland Browns as one-point road underdogs last week. A lot of speculation around South Beach this week is the status of head coach Tony Sparano if the team manages to fall into a deeper hole. “We’re putting him in a tough situation,” commented Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby. “We’ve got to play better.” Offensively, the team is moving the ball between the 20s, but has failed to score a lot of touchdowns inside the red zone. Miami is 17-18 ATS over the last two-plus seasons and 12-5 ATS on the road.
The Dolphins believe they can turn things around and quarterback Chad Henne is hoping to perform better when the team needs him the most. The former Michigan Wolverines star has completed just 56.5 percent of his passes and ranks 31st in the league with a 48.7 passer rating in the final 15 minutes of games. Miami’s backfield will be missing rookie Daniel Thomas for a second game, which places added pressure on Reggie Bush. He has slowed down dramatically since the season opener, totaling 69 yards rushing and 71 receiving.
San Diego hasn’t exactly impressed on its way to a 2-1 record and team is likely in for a dog fight against a team that is looking to win its first game. “They’re a very good football team that’s 0-3,” commented Chargers tight end Randy McMichael. “They lost to Cleveland by a point. They’re a lot better than that.” Offensively, the team will be looking to get the ball into running back Ryan Mathews’ hands, as he’s averaging 20 touches a game. The Chargers are averaging less than 100 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry, but need to continue featuring the run to open things up for the passing game. San Diego is 16-19 ATS over the last two-plus campaigns and 9-9 ATS at home.
The Chargers offensive attack led by quarterback Philip Rivers could be in for a big day, facing a Dolphins defense that ranks 30th in total defense, allowing 415.7 yards per game. Rivers is one of the league’s top signal callers and enters as the league’s top-rated fourth-quarter passer this season. One of the things that has stalled the team’s offense is turnovers, as the former NC State star has already thrown six interceptions. In reality, San Diego can win this game easily if staying away from miscues.
Bettors will likely back the Chargers due to their 23-7 ATS mark as home favorites of 3.5 to 10 points, while the Dolphins are 0-5-1 ATS over the last six games.
Don’t miss out on a winning season and let the NFL handicappers at Maddux Sports line your pockets with cash. Long term packages are available now!
