Dolphins Bills Betting – Slumping Offense Holds Bills Back Against Dolphins
Buffalo’s online betting odds aren’t that great for the upcoming season, as their offense is among the worst in the league, even with an electrifying rookie. He’s not going to be enough to lift the Bills to a win in their first game of the season when Miami comes to town this weekend.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, September 12th, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Ralph Wilson Stadium, Buffalo, NY
- Pick: Miami Dolphins -3
What’s On The Line
Well, it’s an AFC East rivalry game for starters, which means that all they need is a field and it’s on. Both teams finished 2-2 in the preseason and played some good football, but they also need a lot more work before either challenges New England or the New York Jets in the East.
Offensive Matchups: Dolphins Bills Betting
The Dolphins have the potential to have a very good offense. Chad Henne has a strong and accurate arm, and Miami added Brandon Marshall to the receiving fold. They also have a great running back duo in Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown, who is now healthy. The offensive line is even pretty good, although it’s not that deep if they get hit by injuries. Henne and Marshall have had their problems in the preseason, but there’s a period where a quarterback and receiver need to get used to each other. In the meantime, Marshall takes attention away from guys like Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and underrated tight end Anthony Fasano.
It’s not that Trent Edwards is a bad quarterback, although he’s not great, either. The Bills’ offensive line was terrible for a number of reasons (new players, injuries), but all the same players are back from last year, so that can’t hurt. They need to keep Edwards upright and furthermore, give him time and make holes for rookie C.J. Spiller, who showed his big-play ability various times over the preseason. However, he’s the best playmaker they have, unless Lee Evans brings back the days of 2006.
Betting Edge: Dolphins
Defensive Matchups: Dolphins Bills Betting
Mike Nolan takes over a defense that was 22nd in the league, but he did a great job in San Francisco and Denver, where he turned Elvis Dumervil into a star. The 3-4 scheme in Miami will be a more attacking one under Nolan, and the Dolphins have replaced aging linebackers Jason Taylor and Joey Porter with Cameron Wake and Koa Misi. Cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Jason Allen are solid, and they’re going to have to be if Nolan blitzes more.
The Bills were 19th in defense last year, but were often put in bad positions by a poor offense. George Edwards is now in charge of the defense, also switching to a 3-4 scheme, and he has solid inside linebackers in Andra Davis and Paul Posluszny. The secondary has the potential to be one of the best in the league, led by safety Jairus Byrd’s nine picks, but he likely won’t play this game. The progress of this unit depends on the big guys up front to allow the linebackers to make plays.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Dolphins Bills Betting
Long (knee) is questionable for this game, but the Dolphins are largely healthy.
Running back Fred Jackson (hand), and cornerbacks Terrance McGee (foot) and Leodis McElvin (unknown) are all questionable for this game.
Betting Edge: Dolphins
Outlook and Pick: Dolphins Bills Betting
NFL betting odds have the Dolphins as a 3-point favorite on the road, but they’ve had their problems in Buffalo lately, losing five of the last six trips up north. We’re banking on that to change in this game, unless Spiller explodes on the scene. We’re not sold on the Buffalo offense being much improved, at least early in the season. The Dolphins have the weapons to at least trouble the Bills, and if McGee and McElvin are out, the secondary could have their problems. Miami will cover in your sports betting book on Sunday.
Stan’s Pick: Miami Dolphins
