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MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) vs. CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1)
When: Sunday, September 25, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio
Broadcast: CBS
Spread: Browns -2 ½
Moneyline: Dolphins +120, Browns -140
Total: 41 points
The Miami Dolphins, looking for their first win of the season head to Cleveland on Sunday to take on a Browns squad that appears drastically improved on both sides of the ball. Miami looks like they are struggling with their identity early in the season while the Browns know exactly who they are – a good, young, up-and-coming team that is sound on both sides of the ball.
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Miami brought in Reggie Bush in the offseason – an experiment that has already proven to be unsuccessful. Truth be told, rookie Daniel Thomas gives the Fins a better chance to win! Bush has 56 combined yards in two games while Thomas gained 107 yards on the ground in his only action last week. Chad Henne looked every bit a breakout candidate in Week 1 versus the Patriots but his stock fell last week with a 12 of 30 for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception performance.
Is Miami a passing team or are they a running team? One thing is certain – until they shore up a brutal O-line, they will be disappointing in with any identity that they choose. This unit has been demolished by New England and by Houston on its way to a 0-2 start.
The Cleveland Browns have a serious sense of optimism surrounding them this season. If not for a complete letdown in Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals, the Browns could be looking at a 3-0 start – something that nobody would have foreseen! The Browns have a rapidly maturing Colt McCoy running the offense and the reliable Peyton Hillis shouldering the running back duties. The Browns have averaged 22 points per game and 294 yards of offense per contest so far this year.
Defense could be the key in this game – seriously. Miami has been absolutely dreadful on that side of the ball – ranking last and giving up 483.5 yards per game so far including a total of 747 yards combined through the air in two contests. To make matters worse, Karlos Dansby and Chris Clemons are questionable for this week – not a good sign.
Cleveland’s defense on the other hand has looked pretty good. The young corp. is ranked 6th so far in total defense allowing just 289 yards per game.
Betting Outlook: The Miami Dolphins will be happy to get on the road this weekend – they have lost six straight games at home but are an impressive 6-2 SU in their last eight away from home. Miami is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games on the road and are 6-0-2 ATS in their last eight as road underdog. The Cleveland Browns have won three straight games against the Miami Dolphins.
Miami is a totally different team on the road than they are at home. I think the trend continues this week. Cleveland has looked OK so far this season but their two games have come against Cincinnati and a depleted Indianapolis team. Miami will be happy to playing a non-contender this week and should rise to the occasion. The Fins cover this week and win outright for their first win of the season.
The odds makers have the Cleveland Browns as a -2.5 point favorite with an over/under of 41.
Pick: Miami Dolphins +2 ½
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Miami Dolphins Betting Trends:
- Miami is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games
- Miami is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Miami’s last 8 games on the road
- Miami is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road
Cleveland Browns Betting Trends:
- Cleveland is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
- Cleveland is 1-5-1 SU in its last 7 games,
- The total has gone OVER in 9 of Cleveland’s last 13 games
- Cleveland is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games
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