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Arizona finally gets a bit of point spread respect, but they remain huge Super Bowl longshots, even after their 3-0 start. Many see a letdown spot here and are siding with the Dolphins at +6.
Off to their first 3-0 start since 1974, the Arizona Cardinals hope to stay undefeated for another week when they host the Miami Dolphins at the University of Phoenix Stadium this Sunday.
And oddsmakers are finally giving them a bit of respect, with most online shops booking them as 6-point favorites through Friday.
"They are just 28/1 as a Super Bowl bet, according to some online sports betting shops, but they have been very tough at home and could easily cover the number here," said Jack Randall of OddsShark.com.
Not only are the Arizona Cardinals off to a 3-0 start both SU and ATS, but they are in that situation due to wins over three very good teams. Arizona has upset Seattle and Philadelphia at home this season, and pulled off the biggest upset of the year as a 13-point underdog in New England over the Patriots.
The defense has been the catalyst to Arizona's recent surge, allowing just 13.3 points per game against those talented offensive teams.
Miami's offense exploded for 35 points in a strong effort both in the passing and running game in a 35-13 win over Oakland in Week 2, but that game has been sandwiched between lousy offensive performances against the Houston Texans and New York Jets.
Ryan Tannehill is still a work in progress at quarterback, throwing one touchdown to four interceptions through his first three games. The defense looks very solid, but it has been hung out to dry by this stagnant offense.
On paper, this one feels like it should be a defensive struggle. The total has gone UNDER in 13 of Miami's last 18 games and in four of Arizona's last five, including all three games this year.
Arizona will likely pick up the win at home; the Cardinals are 8-1 SU over their last nine games while the Dolphins are 7-15 SU over their last 23. But with two strong defenses and two less than stellar offenses taking the field, signs point to the type of game in which points will be at a premium.
Considering the likelihood that this will result in a close game, Miami receiving six points is enough to entice us into taking the Dolphins here.
PICK: Miami +6 (courtesy of PickShark)
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