NFL Picks Week 7: Miami Dolphins Will Ruin Tim Tebow's Homecoming

After capturing two national titles and a Heisman trophy during his collegiate career at the University of Florida, Tim Tebow is a legend. He's making his long-awaited return to the South Florida region in Week 7 as his Denver Broncos clash with the Miami Dolphins.

The locals are excited, although it doesn't really show. This historically apathetic fan base couldn't sell this game out by themselves.

If you're in search of a marquee matchup, look elsewhere. Denver (1-4) and Miami (0-5) are both pitiful.

On the other hand, these two teams may be just weak enough to keep each other in the game. Competitive football can be just as satisfying as polished football, don't you think?

Ultimately, I believe the Dolphins will defeat Tebow's crew. Here are five reasons why.

Brandon Lloyd Is Gone

Brandon Lloyd led the league with 1,448 receiving yards in 2010. He was the team's No. 1 target this season through five games.

Denver dealt him to St. Louis at the trade deadline. This will weaken the Broncos' passing attack, regardless of Tebow's optimism.

Aside from his tremendous skill, Lloyd was also valued for his experience.

Now, responsibility falls on Denver's younger receivers, several of whom have been hampered by injury in 2011.

Matt Moore Has a Great Matchup

Quarterback Matt Moore has been unimpressive as Chad Henne's replacement.

In two games, he has relied on Brandon Marshall for 43 percent of his passing yards. Moore has no touchdowns, three interceptions and two fumbles in 111 minutes of playing time as Miami's starter.

However, he might finally catch a break in Week 7 against Denver's mediocre pass defense.

Ancients like Champ Bailey (33), Brian Dawkins (38) and Andre' Goodman (33) populate their secondary. Rookie Rahim Moore (21) is their free safety.

Defensive end Elvis Dumervil isn't the same ferocious pass rusher he was in 2009.

Demaryius Thomas Won't Be at 100%

In his second NFL season, Demaryius Thomas is the de facto top receiver for Tebow in Lloyd's absence.

Thomas is larger and stronger than Lloyd, which is just what Denver needs. He'll be able to push around the coverage and bring down occasionally errant passes.

Realistically, though, Thomas won't be in mid-season form. This Sunday will be his 2011 debut as he finishes recovering from a finger injury.

I don't doubt that he's totally healthy, but I'm sure his game will be affected.

It is simply the human condition to favor parts of the body that have previously been hurting. While I can't predict any dropped passes, I wouldn't be surprised if there are more than usual.

Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas Give Denver Two Different Looks

Miami's running game has been unusually respectable for a winless team (14th in yards per game). This is because of their rushing duo: former Saint Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas.

Bush—as most football fans know—is a smaller back with dynamic speed and athleticism. He needs a hole to run through, but any opening in a defense could mean six points for the Dolphins.

Conversely, Thomas is a heavier load. He doesn't mind plowing through the middle of the field because he has shown the ability to make something out of broken plays.

Thomas has earned his role as primary ball carrier, but a hamstring issue limited him in Week 6 and earlier this week in practice.

The pair will get a similar number of touches against Denver. I imagine that both will have success, as the Broncos don't have much run-stopping talent outside of Brian Dawkins and first-round draft pick Von Miller.

Tim Tebow Isn't a Legitimate NFL Quarterback

Tim Tebow has had his fair share of skeptics throughout the last couple years. I admire the guy, but consider myself a hater, too.

Tebow has the intangibles, but few of the essential quarterbacking skills.

Despite attempts to rework his throwing motion, it isn't good enough. He's inaccurate and not great with the deep ball.

His release is too slow. Although I admit Tebow is decisive, his arm is often a couple steps behind his brain. He misses opportunities because he can't get the ball out quick enough.

Tebow is destined for some solid rushes against Miami, especially if the Dolphins' Cameron Wake doesn't get healthy.

Looking beyond Week 7, though, I don't think Tim Tebow will develop into a great professional.