Football odds handicappers will have yet another top shelf matchup for NBC Sunday Night Football as the Miami Dolphins host the New York Jets at 8:25 PM Eastern. Sbg global opened with the Dolphins as 1.5-point favorites and with an over/under of 35.
Showdown of top AFC East Contenders
The New York Jets were one of the preseason favorites to win the AFC East Division and roared back with a vengeance last week in a statement making 28-14 payout over New England as 3-point home dogs. The victory was important not just because New England is the co-favorite in the AFC East but because New York looked so bad in their opening night loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Miami Dolphins were not considered to be a top contender in the AFC East but they currently lead the division at 2-0 both straight up and against the spread after their 14-10 win at Minnesota last week as 5.5-point dogs. Miami has gone under the total in both of their games and this will be their home opener.
Sanchez Breaks Out
Much maligned second year quarterback Mark Sanchez broke out with a huge game against the Patriots last week to spark the Jets payout with the NFL betting lines. Sanchez was 21-30 for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns for his best day as a pro. Dustin Keller was his favorite target as he caught 7 passes for 117 yards and a score.
Miami Defense Carries Team
The Jets are well known and respected for their defense that ranks 6th for points permitted but Miami’s unit has been an even bigger asset with the football odds as it ranks 1st in the NFL for points allowed and 5th overall for yards permitted.
Conservative Offense
Miami coach Tony Sparano is relying on that defense and a solid ground attack to cover for 2nd year starting quarterback Chad Henne, who has a respectable 85.1 QB rating and no interceptions. The time will come, however, when Henne will need to rally Miami and win a game and there is still skepticism if he can get that done.
Trends
The Jets have beaten the NFL betting lines in 6 out of their last 7 trips to Miami and have lost just 7 out of their last 29 matchups with the Dolphins overall against the spread.