Tampa Bay Looks For Second Win As Underdogs Against Miami

NFL News - November 10th, 2009 - Written by Scott

With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff hopes having been long gone weeks ago, their goals obviously had to change. First and foremost was to get their first win of the year and they accomplished this last Sunday by surprising Green Bay and notching their first victory, 38-28, over the Packers. The Bucs (1-7) will look to build off this win as they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The Dolphins (3-5) are coming off a 27-14 loss to New England, one in which sent them to third place in the AFC East.

Miami has had most of their offensive success on the ground this season. The Dolphins are averaging 150 yards per game rushing which is ranked 4th in the league. The running back tandem of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams have been reeking havoc on opposing defenses. They have combined for 1,021 yards and 13 touchdowns. Their struggles have come with their passing attack. Chad Henne is their quarterback and has only thrown for 990 yards and 4 touchdowns. They are only averaging 150 yards through the air and are led by Davone Bess, Greg Camarillo, and Ted Guinn Jr. who have combined for only 740 yards and just 1 touchdown.

Defensively for the Dolphins, they are giving up 25.5 points and 341 yards per game. They are allowing 246 yards in the air and will need to find a way to pressure Tampa Bay's rookie quarterback. However, they are having success in stopping the run and are allowing only 94.5 yards per game which is 5th in the league.

The Bucs got their first win of the year behind a solid performance from quarterback Josh Freeman in his first NFL start. Freeman passed for 205 yards and 3 touchdowns in the win against Green Bay. They are only averaging 16.8 points per game though, and scored more than 21 points for the first time all year on Sunday. They have also struggled running the ball this season and are only getting 95 yards per game on the ground. Cadillac Williams leads their group of backs with 366 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tight end Kellen Winslow leads their receiving unit with 352 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Tampa Bay has not been able to stop opposing offenses all season. They are giving up 28 points and 379 total yards per game. An inability to stop the running game has hurt them this year and they are giving up 163 yards per game. They will be tested again by the Dolphins' strong rushing attack.

Miami will be favored by 9 1/2 over the Bucs according to BetUS sportsbook. The over/under is set at 44 and the total has gone over in 4 of the Dolphins' last 5 games. Also, the Bucs are 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games. Be sure to check out our NFL Week 10 Betting Odds for more information if you are planning on bettting on any of the NFL games during week 10 of the season.

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