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The line on the crucial Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs game was Miami -3 ½ (courtesy of BetUS.com). And while that may not seem like a whole lot when we look at a Dolphins team that is 9-5 vs. a Chiefs team that is 2-12, past history between these two teams tells a different story.
In the last four regular season head-to-head games between these teams, Miami has either lost to KC or won by a mere field goal.
That does not bode well when looking at recent trends where the Dolphins are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. They are also 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on grass and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a S.U. win.
And while Kansas City might not be very good, they are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. AFC and 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall.
The Dolphins are in a three-way tie with the Patriots and the Jets for the AFC East lead. Many believe it will be the final showdown between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets that ultimately determine the Dolphins (and the Jets for that matter) fate.
By winning its final two games, Miami would clinch a playoff berth. Anything less, though, and the Dolphins may fall short.
"We have full control over what's going to happen," said Miami linebacker Joey Porter, who was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday. "It's exactly what you want. You don't want to be in a situation where you're hoping this team loses or that team loses to benefit you."
The Dolphins conclude the regular season on Dec. 28 with a road game against the Jets, who would win the division with victories in their final two games.
Miami has won three straight, sparked by a defense that was reeling following a 48-28 loss to New England on Nov. 23. Since then, though, the Dolphins have not allowed a touchdown.
In its last three games, Miami has allowed a total of 24 points -- eight field goals -- to beat St. Louis, Buffalo and San Francisco. The Dolphins' streak without allowing a TD is their longest since 1973, the last time they won the Super Bowl.
Miami is giving up 19.2 points per game after allowing 27.3 last year.
"They're learning how to communicate very well out there," Sparano said. "There are guys covering for one another. And they're becoming pretty resilient. They don't really get flustered a whole lot, even when somebody makes a big play against them."
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
