Monday Night Football Preview: Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Two of the NFL’s most dysfunctional teams will share the big stage of Monday Night Football as the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the Miami Dolphins.

Aside from Tampa Bay’s on-field struggles, the Bucs are also in the midst of a locker room mutiny against current head coach Greg Schiano. Elsewhere in Florida, the Dolphins’ troubling bullying and harassment issues have recently come to light.

Betting Preview for Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When: November 11, 8:30 PM ET

Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay, Florida

Odds:

Money: Dolphins (-135) vs Bucs (+115)

Spread: Dolphins (-2.5) vs Bucs (+2.5)

Totals: 40.5

Betting on the Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins finally snapped a four-game skid last Thursday in rather unusual circumstances. After forcing overtime, Cameron Wake sacked Andy Dalton in the end zone to win the game via safety, only the third such play in NFL history. The Pro Bowl end has been banged up this season, but with three sacks on Dalton, it bodes well that he looks to be rounding into shape. [sc:NFL240banner ]

However, the Dolphins now have a dilemma on the offensive line. Starting tackle Jonathan Martin’s return is unknown after he left the team last week. And now, the team has suspended starting guard Richie Incognito for his part in the Martin saga.

What effect will a compromised line have on Ryan Tannehill? The sophomore QB has already been sacked a league-high 35 times, and missing two starting linemen won’t help. But having a revitalized rushing game that’s topped 130 yards in the last two games just might. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Miami’s last 7 games.

Will the Dolphins’ internal issues negatively affect their performance or will it bond them closer together and spure them to victory?  Bet now on the Dolphins.

Betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Murphy’s Law took effect for Tampa Bay’s 2013 season. From the turmoil with the head coach to the release of their starting quarterback, and the injury to their star running back to the team contracting MRSA – absolutely nothing has gone the Bucs’ way this year.

And yet against the long, 16-point odds, the Buccaneers were minutes away from upsetting the possible Super Bowl contender Seahawks in Seattle last week. But in typical Bucs fashion, they ultimately lost in overtime to remain winless on the season.
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But unlike their brethren in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay has been competitive in most of its contests. Five of its eight defeats have been by single digits, four of which were within just three points. Much is owed to their respectable defense, which is allowing only 24 points/game. The offense, led by the improving but still inexperienced rookie Mike Glennon, is second to last in scoring at 15.5 points/game. With this combination, the total has gone UNDER in 8 of Tampa Bay’s last 12 games.

Can the Bucs finally break through and register their first win of a long and grueling season?  Bet now on the Buccaneers.

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