Miami Dolphins (5-3) at Detroit Lions (6-2)
The Dolphins thrust themselves into the contender discussion last week, blowing out a solid San Diego team by the final score of 37-0. They move the chains at a 74.44% rate, as opposed to 68.83% for their opponents, a differential of 5.60% that ranks 5th in the NFL. That’s better than the Lions, who move the chains at a 71.13% rate, as opposed to 68.51% for their opponents, a differential of 2.62% that ranks 10th in the NFL. And despite that, this line says these two teams are even at 3 points, which isn’t true.
On top of that, the Dolphins are in a bunch better spot this week. While the Lions have to go to 7-1 Arizona next week, the Dolphins host the Bills. Teams are 122-91 ATS since 2002 as non-divisional road underdogs before being divisional home favorites. Conversely, teams are 73-104 ATS as non-divisional home favorites before being non-divisional road underdogs since 2008. Combining the two, teams are 60-99 ATS since 2010 as favorites before being underdogs when their opponent will next be favorites. The only reason this isn’t a high confidence or pick of the week type pick is because Detroit gets Calvin Johnson back this week.
Miami Dolphins 23 Detroit Lions 20 Upset Pick +125
Pick against the spread: Miami +3
Confidence: Medium
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