The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills are set to square off in the first week of the NFL season.
After winning the AFC East in 2008, the Dolphins managed to win just seven games in 2009. The Bills struggled to get anything going last season, and wound up finishing the year at 6-10. Looking at the NFL odds for this game, the Dolphins come in as three-point favorites over the Bills on the road, with the over/under currently sitting at 38.5 points.
The Dolphins are counting on second-year quarterback Chad Henne to step in and really become the leader of the offense this season.
Henne started the final 13 games for the Dolphins in 2009, and played pretty well, considering the offense really didn’t have a go-to receiver and starting running back Ronnie Brown was lost for most of the season.
The Dolphins made one of the biggest moves this offseason, as they traded for wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who instantly changes the dynamics of the Dolphins' offense. Marshall is a premier receiver, and will give Henne a go to guy when he is in trouble—plus he will keep defenses from loading up on the running game.
The defense added middle linebacker Karlos Dansby this offseason, but there is a big question on who will provide the pass rush from the outside.
The Dolphins did add defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, who played a huge role in turning Elvis Dumervile of the Broncos into an elite pass rusher from the outside linebacker spot. The hope is that Nolan can do the same with Cameron Wake, who had five-and-a-half sacks for the Dolphins in his rookie season.
The Bills really struggled on the offensive side of the ball in 2009, but are hoping the addition of new head coach Chan Gailey and their first-round pick of running back C.J. Spiller can change that around this season.
I really expected the Bills to make a change at the quarterback position this offseason, but instead, they have decided to stick with Trent Edwards.
Some people questioned the draft pick of Spiller with the team having so many other needs, but I think Bills fans are really going to be pleased with what Spiller will give this team, as he is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball. If the offense can find a way to stay on the field and put some points on the board, I think the defense will respond and play better this season.
Looking at the Odds
Not too many people are picking the Dolphins to have much of a shot in the AFC East this season, but I strongly believe they are much better than people think.
The addition of Marshall is going to really make the offense a dangerous unit to face this season. I believe you have to take the Dolphins to cover the 3 point spread in this one.
My final score prediction is Buffalo, 17, Miami, 24.
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