MIAMI DOLPHINS @ KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 
Vegas Line: Dolphins + 4
Rob’s Line: Dolphins + 4.5
The record books will show that Kansas City beat the San Diego Chargers last week on Monday Night Football, but it could have been a whole lot different. To speak about the Chargers and their mental inadequacies here would be very easy, but I think it’s important we focus on what the Chiefs have achieved.
They came away with the W last week and while, as handicappers, we need to look for clues from previous games, that matters not one jot to the folks who cram in to Arrowhead Stadium as a win is a win and when it comes against a powerful division foe, then all the more reason to celebrate. And that very point, about celebrating, is extremely pertinent.
Last Monday was an emotional (overtime) win for KC and they follow that with a short week and a game against an opponent yet to win a game. Motivation levels should be down and it’s one of those beautiful intangibles that I do have to consider. In addition, I watched the Dolphins fall short against the Giants in New York last Sunday and I was as surprised as anybody to see them take a 14-3 lead in the second quarter, but I did call them to cover the spread and I’m sorely tempted to do so here. However, there’s one factor that worries me despite the fact that they’re not in horrendous form (yes, I know they’re 0-7!): this is their second consecutive road game and it’s almost halfway across the country.
Just going back to my comment above, Miami should never have let Tim Tebow perform the heroics he did in the last five minutes two weeks ago and I honestly feel as though they should have beaten the Giants last week so they can enter this one feeling quite pleased with themselves, even though they’ll be hurting at missed opportunities. I really want to like the Dolphins this week and could probably muster an argument for them to win from scratch so let’s look at KC’s form.
Their first win was a scrappy affair against the Vikings, but it’s a game in which quarterback Matt Cassel played very solidly and that gave them belief. A week later that belief was tested somewhat as they trailed 24-7 in Indianapolis, but Cassel really came through and ended up with exceptional stats, finishing 21 of 29 for 257 yards and 4 TDs. Following that was the 28-0 humiliation they dished out to a dreadfully unprepared Oakland team in the Raiders’ own back yard, a defeat that the Silver and Black will have to wait until Week 16 for to avenge. Intriguingly, that clash comes on Christmas Eve, giving the Raiders the ultimate opportunity to play Bad Santa.
Last week’s matchup against San Diego had all the drama of some of the unforgettable Monday Night Football games (I’m afraid you’ll have to do your own research otherwise we’d be here all night! OK, I’ll give you ‘The Improbable Bobble’ for starters) and while the Chiefs did lead 13-3 at the half, they really should’ve lost and would’ve, but for Philip Rivers’ last minute fumble of a snap as the Chargers were driving to line up a winning field goal opportunity.
What that win does guarantee is that Chiefs’ coach Todd Haley’s razor sits dormant for another week, promising, as he has, not to shave for as long as the Chiefs keep winning. He may well keep the whiskers growing through until Week 10, but this is a close one to call (and could be a close shave…sorry!) and I will side with the Dolphins and the points on offer.
No comments:
Post a Comment