The Miami Dolphins are again throwing quarterbacks from the NFL scrapheap onto the field to lead their squad. Miami backers hope Brock Osweiler can pull out another decent performance this time against Matthew Stafford and the visiting Detroit Lions.

NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis

The line for this game was delayed because of the status of Miami quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The regular starter was a late scratch from last week’s game against the Bears because of a banged up shoulder. The Phins opened as 3-point underdogs against Chicago but the line jumped up to +7 once it was announced Tannehill would not play.

Miami enters the game holding a 4-2 mark straight up and against the spread despite a -15 point differential. The Dolphins are 3-0 SU and ATS on their home field this season but they’re just 17-45-3 ATS in their last 65 home games against teams with losing road records.

The Lions are coming off their bye week and were last seen besting Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in Week 5. While their 2-3 record might not excite the Detroit fan base, bettors have been happy with the results. The Lions are 4-1 against the number and they’re 4-0 ATS in their last four contests.

Detroit Lions

It’s no secret where the Lions have to improve to get back to the playoffs. Detroit is allowing the third most rushing yards per game in the league. The run defence is particularly ugly on first and second downs.  The Lions are allowing a league-high 5.92 rushing yards per attempt on first down and 6.17 on second down.

The good news is they may have finally solved their offensive issue at running back. Rookie tailback Kerryon Johnson is averaging 5.7 yards per carry, and earlier this season he became the team’s first player to rush for 100 yards or more in a game since 2013.

Miami Dolphins

Detroit’s struggles to stop the run on first down could play right into Miami head coach Adam Gase’s game plan. Twelve of Frank Gore’s 15 carries last week came on first down. The 35-year-old veteran ran for 101 yards with those 15 attempts.

On the outside, free-agent signee Albert Wilson has emerged as Miami’s top receiving option. The former Kansas City Chief leads the Dolphins in targets (32), receiving yards (359) and total touchdowns with four.

Lions vs. Dolphins Prediction

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