NFL Kickoff, Miami at Buffalo: Bills Flatten the Fish in Week 1

Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills

Date: Sunday, September 12, 2010 1:00 PM ET
TV: CBS
Week 1 NFL Odds:
Miami: -3  (-110) /Buffalo: +3 ½ (-110)
Total: 39 points : Over (-110), Under (-110)

The Dolphins will travel north to take on AFC East rivals, the Buffalo Bills. BetMania has the Dolphins listed as 3 point favorites with the total set at 39. 

The Dolphins are glad they are getting their game in Buffalo out of the way while the weather is still warm, and they hope the results are different from last year. The Dolphins lost the game in Buffalo last year and both were not even close, losing 31-14. If they are going to beat Buffalo this year they will have to good on both sides of the ball.

The Dolphins have looked good offensively in the preseason. Newly acquired wide receiver Brandon Marshall has already found chemistry with quarterback Chad Henne and both are ready to get the season started.  The offensive line is one of the better lines in the league and is anchored by Jake Long. The running game is stocked with talent and as long as they stay healthy this offense should score. The defense seems to be improving every year and will get a test when they travel to Buffalo to start the season.

That challenge will be in the form of rookie running back, C.J. Spiller. Spiller has looked sensational in the preseason and has gotten the bulk of the carries with the rest of the backfield suffering from injuries. Head Coach Chan Gailey will give the young speedster plenty of carries to take pressure off quarterback Trent Edwards. Spiller will help in improving an offense that was nearly last in the league in most major categories. The Bills are improving as a team and that includes on the defensive side of the ball.

Jairus Byrd is one of the better free safeties in the league and was tied for the most interceptions by a rookie last year. Byrd is recovering from an injury but should play in the game for week one.

The Bills are 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in Week 1 and 6-2 ATS in the last eight games in September. The Bills have a history of starting out well, although they have not fielded the best teams in recent years.

The Dolphins have not had much luck in this series. They are 3-8-1 ATS in the last 12 meetings overall and they are 1-5 ATS in the last six games in Buffalo.

The Dolphins are 3-12-2 ATS in their last 17 games in September, to include 0-3-1 ATS in their last four games in Week 1.

The Bills are a deadly home team and the home team has dominated this series in the past, going 5-1-1 ATS in the last seven games.

The Bills start the season off with a close win over the Miami Dolphins and maintain the strangle hold on the series.

Final: Buffalo 17 Miami 16

Other NFL Game Previews:

Dallas at Washington

Miami at Buffalo

Indianapolis at Houston

Bengals at Patriots

Packers at Eagles

Monday Night: Chargers at Chiefs

Five upsets for NFL Week One

Ten Really Bold Predictions For NFL Week One