Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins Odds: Thigpen to Miami
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins odds ranged from Buffalo-1 ½ to -2 ½. The Bills were getting much of the action (nearly 85 percent). Only a handful of "sharp" online sportsbooks were offering the reduced line on Buffalo. Due to the Dolphins injury situation, this game is attracting heavy one-sided action early on making the Bills one of the top three most wagered on NFL teams this week. It should also be noted that linesmakers originally opened this one with Miami as the -1 favorite.
Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington is out for the season and he has been replaced by Tyler Thigpen, traded from the Kansas City Chiefs Tuesday.
Pennington hurt his right shoulder in the third quarter Sunday at San Diego, an injury that leaves his career in jeopardy.
The 33-year-old has since elected to undergo a third surgery to repair a torn capsule in his shoulder, according to the Miami Herald.
Thigpen is not likely to start but will offer solid backup to Chad Henne, who is expected to make his first NFL start Sunday against Buffalo. Henne went 10-for-19 for 92 yards with an interception after replacing Pennington.
As for Buffalo, Terrell Owens' streak of 185 games with a reception, the third-longest in NFL history, came to an end in the Bills game against New Orleans last Sunday.
Owens' day got even worse after the game. On his way up the tunnel, T.O. was struck in the face and chest by a large bucket of popcorn thrown from the stands.
"I'm good. Just got to get ready for next week," Owens said.
As for the offense, his role in it and whether he's happy about the play-calling, Owens would only say: "I'm going with the plays that are called."
Owens was thrown to only once in the first half, when he bobbled a pass out of bounds at the right sideline. He had four passes go his way in the second half, including one up the right sideline that he failed to make a play on, even though he was partially open and the pass fell within 2 yards of him.
"We have to get him the football, obviously," coach Dick Jauron said of Owens. "Clearly he's a big part of the offense."
Buffalo has pretty much owned this series going 7-3 in the last 10 games. However, Miami won both games against Buffalo last season.
The Bills are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home.
The Bills are 25-7-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.
The Dolphins are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss.
The Dolphins are 8-21-2 ATS in their last 31 vs. AFC East.
Miami is 4-11-3 ATS in their last 18 games as an underdog of 0.5-3.0.
The Dolphins are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home underdog.
Gambling911.com will be on the Buffalo Bills here at -2.
The -2 line was available at betED.com
Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
