2011 NFL Team Preview
Miami Dolphins
2010 Record: 7-9
2010 Record ATS (Against the Spread): 8-8
Outlook:
The Miami Dolphins have been entrenched in mediocrity for some time now. Coach Tony Sparano was brought in after the one year disaster of Cam Cameron. But all real football fans know that Cam Cameron was a fall guy for the mess left behind by Nick Saban, a man more hated in South Florida than the anti-Christ himself. Sparano had a great rookie year campaign at (11-5) which saw a round one exit from the playoffs. Where are the Dolphins now? They are climbing their way slightly above mediocrity. This off-season they were supposed to go get some key players that would really take them to the next level, especially a QB. That didn't happen. They passed on Vince Young and instead got Matt Moore??? (voice slightly raising). Well it appears that the powers that be must believe in Chad Henne because Matt Moore will probably be a backup. If he gives Chad Henne a run for his money in pre-season then you may see a changing of the guard , so-to-speak.
Strengths: Miami's strength was it's ground attack. But with Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown both gone that remains a big question mark. The fins signed Reggie Bush in the off season. There is no way to tell at this point how good the signing will be. Bush's numbers have never been flashy and spectacular as a pro. But one thing is for sure; he will help out the QB position with dump off passes. Other RB's include a rookie hot shot and a couple of remaining backups. The rushing attack is uncertain at this point. Miami has a defense they have been building for a few years now. The secondary and lineman are younger and talented. The defense may become the strength of this team much like they were in the late 90's - early 2000's.
Weaknesses: Passing game. The QB position for Miami has been almost laughable since the great Dan Marino left town. There were a few years of stability with Jay Fiedler but other than that it has been one of the worst stories in football. They are pinning their hopes on four year man Chad Henne to take them to the promise land and the fact is, most people don't think he is physically or mentally capable of this.
Betting Prognosis: Betting the Miami Dolphins will be tricky. Will they go 6-10 this year or 10-6? There is no real good feel for this team. If anything they feel mediocre. They may cover more spreads than not because they may not be favored very often.
When to Bet this Team:
In recent years, betting against Miami at home and betting for them on the road has been effective. Last year they were 2-6 against the spread at home and 6-2 against the spread away.
Key Matchups:
Week 1 vs. New England - The spread is already out for this one and New England is favored by 7 at Miami. Take Miami.
Week 2 vs. Houston - This game is huge for both teams to establish who they are. Houston is going to be tough and if they happen to be getting points here take Houston.
Week 5 at Jets - Grudge match on the road against their nemeses will likely tell you all you need to know for the rest of the season about Miami. If they win this game, watch out.
