Cleveland Browns (0-2 SU, 0-2 ATS) vs. Miami Dolphins (0-2 SU, 1-1 ATS)
NFL Week 3
Date/Time: Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 1PM EST
Where: Hard Rock Stadium Miami, FL
TV:CBS
by Bob, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: CLE +10 / MIA -10
Over/Under Total: 41.5
This Sunday, the Cleveland Browns will head to South Beach to take on the Dolphins in an AFC match-up of two teams that both sit at 0-2 on the 2016 season. Cleveland comes in without Robert Griffin III who was supposed to step in and help them get back in the mix. Miami is a disappointing 0-2 as well, but they have shown signs of life losing both games by a combined nine points and also both losses were to teams that could potentially end up playing late into the playoffs once again.
As of now, the Dolphins are ten point home favorites. And the total points are set at 41.5 combined. 54% of the action is on the Fish to get the home cover while 57% of the early action likes this game to somehow go over the total points. This will be an interesting one to keep an eye on.
Cleveland came into this season with some expectations to start making the strides to get better. The Johnny Manziel nonsense came to an end, and they added Robert Griffin III who many thought could revitalize his career in a Browns uniform. Well, Robert is out for quite sometime and now the Browns are relying on the arm of Josh McCownor are they? Reports seem to indicate that it may be time that the Browns went with rookie quarterback, Cody Kessler. Kessler was the Browns 3rd round pick out of USC where he had a pretty decent career. One bright spot for the Browns has been the play of running back, Isaiah Crowell. Crowell has rushed for 195 yards and two touchdowns in 2016. Many do not know much about this kid, but being from Georgia I have watched him since he was a sophomore in high school. He was considered one of the top running back prospects in the nation and after a good freshman season at the University of Georgia, Crowell was released for numerous off the field incidents. It is good to see him back on track in the NFL. As for the Browns defense, they show signs of promise, the problem is that the offense does not give them time to rest. The Browns are having serious troubles scoring and moving the ball, causing the defense to remain on the field. Thats this weeks key for the Browns. Keep the ball. If they can get Crowell going again, taking pressure off Kessler (if he is the starter), they could at least make this a game late.
I still believe the Dolphins are a pretty good team although they are 0-2. They lost to the Seahawks who many think are still a contender in the NFC even though their offense has been non existent. Then this past Sunday, Miami took New England down to the wire after finding themselves down 21-0 very early. This week, the key is very simple for Miami, play defense. Pressure the quarterback. If the Browns go with a rookie, the Fish need to show him numerous blitz packages and looks. On the road as a rookie, with a sub par supporting cast around him could lead to turnovers which would cause this game to get out of hand early.
Double digit road dogsthe kiss of death in the NFL. As much as on paper and the eye test tells me that Miami wins this game by 20, I dont think they blow out the Browns. I think this game will be a good one. Will Cleveland win? Probably not, but anytime in the NFL you want to give double digit points, I will take them. This isnt college.
Bobs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Take the road dog Cleveland Browns +10
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