posted October 27, 2007 at 09:50 in NFL Betting Trends

NFL betting has arrived in London, England!

The last thing the Miami Dolphins need right now is a 4,500 hike across an ocean to host a “home game” at Wembley Stadium in London. The “Flying Fins” are off to their worst start in the franchise's 42-year history with an (0-7) record having surrendered a league-high 231 points. Compound this sad display with the somber fact that they just lost running back Ronnie Brown for the rest of the season and you see why more Dolphins fans are hanging out at aquariums these days. The Week 8 line has the New York Giants favored by 10 ½ and it’s pretty easy to imagine the Giants, who are averaging 26.7 points a game, lighting up the scoreboard against a sorely depleted Dolphins defense. The football betting public is smitten with the surging Giants in this one. No one likes to see a sinking team hit rock bottom, but the Dolphins will this Sunday.

Tom Coughlin’s game plan will involve a healthy balance of pass and run against a Miami defense giving up a league-worst 33 points a game. Since returning from a knee injury running back Brandon Jacobs has romped for 293 yards and two touchdowns. Versatile complement Derrick Ward may rest his ankle, but the Giants still have Rueben Droughns to split carries with Jacobs. Adding to Miami’s defensive woes they will be without linebacker Zack Thomas who is suffering from whiplash after his car was rear-ended after last week’s loss (talk about adding insult to injury). This does not bode well for a defense that ranks 31st against the run giving up 156.4 yards a game. Quarterback Eli Manning will look to connect with Plaxico Burress who was held without a touchdown last week for the first time this season. But expect Burress to make repeat visits to the end zone on Sunday matched up against ex-Giant Will Allen and a patchwork Miami secondary. With a gimpy Channing Crowder forced to the middle linebacker spot and safety Renaldo Hill lost for the season, backup safety Jason Allen may struggle trying to contain tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Losing running back Ronnie Brown for the season was a devastating blow to the Miami Dolphins offense. Brown was the only reliable cog in Miami’s attack, leading the league with 991 yards from scrimmage. Miami will feed the ball to backup Jess Chatman who is thrust into the starting role and averaging a promising 5.9 yards a carry. Running backs Patrick Cobbs and third-round rookie Lorenzo Booker should also see some carries come Sunday. Since Trent Green was officially lost for the season (and likely his career due to concussion) quarterback Cleo Lemon has thrown for 492 yards and two touchdowns, but he's also added three interceptions and been sacked five times. Not a positive sign going up against a Giants defense that leads the league with 27 sacks. Speed rushing phenomenon Osi Umenyiora and resurgent all-time sack leader Michael Strahan will force the issue and Lemon to run for his life on at least a dozen occasions. When Lemon does have time to look downfield he’ll search for Marty Booker, Derek Hagan and rookie Ted Ginn Jr. Head Coach Cam Cameron is hoping the Ohio State rookie can spark Miami’s offense with his speed and big play ability. The Giants have surrendered a total of 69 points, and only six offensive touchdowns, during their five-game win streak.

In their last three games the Giants offense has exploded for 99 points and the Dolphins depleted defense may only be able to offer the path of least resistance. The Giants are 5-0 ATS in their last five games overall and 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game. Maybe Dolphins’ defensive end Jason Taylor said it best: "We can't win in America. Maybe we can win overseas." Good luck.

NFL BETTING FREE PICK: GIANTS AT -10 ½

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