NFL Betting – Buccaneers In Tough After First Win

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins
Football : United States : NFL
Sunday 15th November 2009 - Kickoff 1pm ET

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Most of the attention in the sportsbook will be paid to the Pacquiao Cotto betting odds this Saturday night but after that’s done, we’ll have a full menu of NFL action on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had been one of the worst teams in the NFL this season until last week. As the Green Bay Packers came to visit, for the first time all season, the Bucs were not the worst team on the field as the Packers played a very sloppy football game and handed them a win.

The win was the first for rookie quarterback Josh Freeman, who actually looked fairly good in the game. Even so, this week will be a much tougher test for the Bucs, who aren’t likely to be overlooked by the Miami Dolphins.

The Dolphins are just 3-5 on the year but they have played better than their record indicates. They have lost a number of close contests, including last week’s nail biter with the New England Patriots. Nonetheless, expect them to be focused and ready as the Bucs come to town.

Last week, Freeman did get his first start at quarterback and he looked fairly raw. He did finish with three touchdowns and just one interception but when you delve into those numbers a little deeper, you’ll notice that his completion percentage (14-of-31) was still fairly low.

Freeman did a good job in the fourth quarter, bringing his team back to win, but he is going to be facing a better defense that can pressure the quarterback a little better than what the Packers were capable of.

Beyond that, the Bucs should be very concerned about their rushing defense as they head into this game. The Dolphins are primarily a rushing team and they should have plenty of success. Last week, Ryan Grant and Ahman Green totaled 144 rushing yards so the Dolphins, at home, should be able to surpass that number.

The Bucs are still lacking some offensive parts around Freeman and on defense, they seem to be getting less healthy by the week. Safety Will Allen has a broken right thumb and his status for this game is uncertain.

The Betting Verdict :

Look for the Dolphins to get ahead and salt the clock away with their rushing attack while never being threatened.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Dolphins 24, Bucs 10

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the MIAMI Dolphins -10 to win and cover