NFL Picks Week 6: Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets, Monday Night Football

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Monday, 10/17/11, 8:30 PM EST, TV: ESPN
Opening Point Spread: New York -8
Current Betting Line: New York -6.5
Opening Total: 41
Current Total: 42.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Colts Jets NFL Preview — The New York Jets will look to end a three-game losing streak Monday night

Miami comes in with an 0-4 record and many fans have already written the team off, but it’s important to note that none of those contests have been decided by more than 10 points. “It’s not desperation,” commented Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor. “There’s no reason to be desperate.” Head coach Tony Sparano would like to see his team fight in the prime-time event, especially since he’s favored amongst NFL coaches to be the first one fired this season. Miami is 4-7 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points, including an 0-2 mark this year.

The Dolphins will need a breakout game by wide receiver Brandon Marshall, as he’ll be matched up with cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie and Darrelle Revis for most of the evening. Miami will have a new signal-caller due to a season-ending shoulder injury to starting quarterback Chad Henne, with Matt Moore stepping in. He has previous experience in leading a team during his time with the Carolina Panthers, while trying to steer the franchise clear of its second 0-5 start in five seasons.

New York will be playing its third prime-time event of the year and looking to snap a three-game losing streak with all of those contests being played outside of MetLife Stadium. The Jets have made some noise about possible upheaval in the locker room, led by wide receiver Santonio Holmes comment earlier in the week. “If you can’t protect the quarterback for four or five seconds,” stated Holmes. “There’s no point of dropping back seven years to throw a football.” The Jets have lost four of the last five contests between the two teams, including three consecutive in New Jersey. New York is 8-8 ATS as a favorite of 3.5 to 9.5 points.

The Jets defense will likely empty the playbook in trying to get to Moore, as 10 different players have combined for 13 sacks, which was five less than the NFL-leading New York Giants when the week started. New York has also been working all week to sure up a rush defense that has allowed a ton of yards to Oakland and New England. There’s been plenty of motivation to go around the locker room as the team has the San Diego Chargers on deck. Everyone wants to even up the team’s record before facing a rested opponent that is among the league’s best.