Raiders Dolphins Odds

Written by Jack Jones

The Oakland Raiders travel to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 13 NFL action Sunday. These have been two of the hottest teams in the AFC over the last month, and I fully expect a hard-fought showdown that goes right down to the wire. Miami has won four of the last five meetings in this series. The Dolphins beat the Raiders 33-17 on the road last season as a 3-point underdog in their most recent head-to-head battle.

Odds makers are expecting a close games as well, installing a line of Miami -3 over Oakland and a total set of 43 points.

Miami

The Dolphins deserve a ton of credit for the way they have continued to battle. Miami (3-8, 2-3 home) appeared to be in line to draft Andrew Luck after their 0-7 start. Players and coaches were having none of it, going on to reel off three straight victories. They outscored Kansas City, Washington and Buffalo a combined 86-20 while not allowing a single touchdown. A big reason for their recent success is a run defense that has allowed an average of 72.2 rushing yards over their last five contests.

Miami had their winning streak come to an end with a 20-19 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. They certainly played well enough to win, outgaining the Cowboys 352-303 while limiting them to 85 rushing yards. But the Dolphins would only score one touchdown, having to settle for four Shayne Graham field goals, all from 28 yards or closer. Their suspect red zone offense was the difference, and Dallas would eventually win it on a Dan Bailey 28-yard field goal as time expired. Matt Moore finished with 288 passing yards and a touchdown to lead the Dolphins.

This team comes in ranked 21st in total offense (316.4 yards/game) and 16th in total defense (345.6 yards/game). Moore has played well at quarterback despite several dropped passes by his receivers. He is completing 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,440 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Reggie Bush has come on strong this year, rushing for 567 yards and four touchdowns, while also catching 35 balls for 237 yards and one score. Brandon Marshall is having a solid year, leading the team with 59 receptions for 850 yards and three touchdowns.

Oakland

The Raiders are in control of their own destiny in the AFC West division. Oakland (7-4, 4-1 away) sits one game ahead of the Denver Broncos for first place. They have won three straight games behind the play of veteran quarterback Carson Palmer, and a solid defense that has turned it up a few notches. They’ll be going for their first four-game winning streak since 2002 Sunday. What’s most impressive about this run is that they have been doing it all without Darren McFadden, who has missed the last four games with a foot injury.

Oakland extended their winning streak to three with a 25-20 home victory over the Chicago Bears last Sunday. Sebastian Janikowski kicked a franchise-record six field goals in the win, making all six of his attempts. Their special teams also received an 80-yard punt from Shane Lechler, and they did not let Devin Hester get many opportunities. The defense wasn’t spectacular, allowing 401 total yards to the Bears. However, they intercepted Caleb Hanie three times in his first career start. Palmer threw for 301 yards with an interception to lead the Oakland offense.

This team ranks 12th in the league in total offense (373.3 yards/game) and 27th in total defense (374.4 yards/game). They are led by the NFL’s fourth-best rushing attack at 149.2 yards/game. Michael Bush has really picked up the slack in the absence of McFadden, rushing for a team-high 668 yards and six touchdowns. McFadden is listed as doubtful to return Sunday. Palmer is completing 58.1 percent of his passes for 1,212 yards with six touchdowns and eight interceptions, though six of those picks came in his first two games, both or which were losses.

Betting Trends

The Raiders are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 road games, but just 16-34-1 ATS in their last 51 games vs. a team with a losing record.

The Dolphins are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall, but only 19-48-1 ATS in their last 68 home games.

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