Steelers Dolphins Spread Sees Miami as NFL Underdog
Looking at how this NFL season has panned out so far for the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's not surprising that NFL oddsmakers have formulated a Steelers Dolphins spread favouring the visiting Steelers on Sunday at Sun Life Stadium. Pittsburgh's record is 4-1 compared to Miami's 3-2, which explains the Steelers Dolphins line listing Pittsburgh as the -3 point favourites (O/U 40.5).
That and the fact that the Steelers managed to win three of four games this season without their quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger (who was suspended), speaks volumes. And when Roethlisberger finally returned to the field last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, he stepped up from the get go, playing his part in helping the Steelers win 28-10. Roethlisberger also has the advantage of being 'fresher' and without the 'wear and tear' of most of his contemporaries, which should pay dividends in games to come.
So with the team whole once more, and more importantly firing on all cylinders, confidence will be very high in the Pittsburgh camp ahead of Sunday's big showdown in Florida. In addition, it will not be lost on Steelers Dolphins betting fans that the Steelers are leading the way in the AFC North division and have won both of their road games. But the team's stamina will soon be tested, because with its bye week already come and gone, they are scheduled to play their next seven games on the road, starting in Miami.
The Miami Dolphins, meanwhile, have not had as good a start to the season as their Pennsylvania rivals. They have only won three from five games, and the two games they lost were at home. There's no doubt this stat will be foremost in the minds of the Dolphins as they take to the field on Sunday. That and the fact that they have given up so many points this season, reportedly as many as one for every two they have scored.
In fact, despite its three wins this season, Miami has given up 112 points compared with the 89 it has put on the board. Scary stuff indeed. Plus, it won't help the Dolphins morale any the fact that linebacker James Harrison got fined a whopping $75,000 for some dangerous hits against the Cleveland Browns. Last year's defensive player of the year is reportedly so upset at this recent turn of events, that he is contemplating quitting the sport of football for good.
But even though Miami will have their work cut out for them on Sunday, they can still fend off and even beat the Steelers if they try to keep the ball on the ground for as much of the game as possible, considering that their quarterback, Chad Henne, is struggling to find any kind of winning form.
Statistically, Miami's Under is 6-2 in its last 8 games as an underdog, while the Dolphins are 15-41-1 ATS in their last 57 home games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in October. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in Week 7 and their Over is 21-10-1 in their last 32 games versus AFC.
