NFL point spread: The Vikings opened as eight-point favorites; the total was 44.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report) Why the Dolphins can cover the spread Miami just picked up its biggest victory of this season, a wild 34-33 decision over rival New England last week. The Dolphins trailed the Patriots 6-0, 13-7, 20-14, 27-21 and 33-28 with 16 seconds left in the game. But they then won it on a crazy 69-yard touchdown as time ran out. On the day Miami amassed 412 yards of total offense, including 189 on the ground, in winning outright as a nine-point dog. Two weeks ago the Dolphins beat Buffalo 21-17, covering as three-point favorites, and three weeks ago they lost to Indianapolis 27-24 but covered as nine-point dogs. So Miami is 3-0 ATS its last three times out. At 7-6 overall the Dolphins trail 7-6 Baltimore by just a tie-breaker in the battle for the second AFC wild-card slot. Why the Vikings can cover the spread Minnesota used a 5-2 run into November to put itself in good position for a playoff berth but now seeks to halt a two-game losing skid after falling at Seattle on Monday night 21-7. The Vikings only trailed the Seahawks 6-0 well into the fourth quarter, had chances to score but just couldn't get it done, and let the game slip away late. On the evening Minnesota actually out-gained Seattle 276-274, and 40 of the yards the Vikings defense allowed came on one Russell Wilsonscramble. But Minnesota also got nothing from a first-and-goal situation at the Seahawks' 4-yard line, had a field goal blocked and gave up a fumble return for a score, all when the game was still up for grabs. Two weeks ago Minnesota played New England to a 10-10 tie late into the third quarter before allowing the last 14 points of a 24-10 defeat. At 6-6-1 overall the Vikings still cling to the No. 6 spot in the NFC playoff standings. Smart betting pick The Dolphins are coming off a huge emotional victory over a hated divisional rival, but that just might leave them vulnerable to a letdown this week. They're also getting out-gained by 90 yards per game this season. Minnesota, meanwhile, is out-gaining opponents by 30 yards per game. Smart money here gives the points with the Vikes. NFL betting trends The total has gone under in the Dolphins' last three games on the road vs the Vikings. The Vikings are 31-12-1 ATS in their last 44 games at home. The Dolphins are 5-12 SU in their last 17 games on the road after consecutive home games.
2 reasons why vikes will cover the spread. 1: their defense has played well enough to win alot of games the offense hasn't produced with account to the absolute horrendous reffing against Seattle. 2, alot of teams who fire OC DC do really well the next game. Miami has no idea what the vikes are doing this week they don't have much to game plan for them and that will bite them. The average bettor will take Miami +8 because they beat NE, and Minnesota has been bad on prime time and majority always take the over. My best bet would be vikes -8 and the under. Vikes win it 28-10. however with that i keep the biased opinions out and never bet on miami but im 7-0 right now with the last 7 Miami spreads. so odds are this prediction is wrong.
It's going to be a tough game. The defense needs to come stronger than it has. I think if we play solid D we take this one but its tough to call. Spread wise too. We either win by a little or lose by a lot generally. So while I dont think they are 8 points better than us overall, they could cover that in a game if it makes sense.