NFL Pick: Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers

The Week 10 Monday Night Football game has the Miami Dolphins (4-4 Overall, 2-2 Away) at the Carolina Panthers (6-3 Overall, 2-2 Home). The Dolphins come to this game having lost two straight, as on Oct 26 the Baltimore Ravens dismantled them 40-0 and on Nov. 5, they lost to the Oakland Raiders 27-24. The Panthers have won their last two, taking down Tampa Bay 17-3 on Oct 29 and beating Atlanta 20-17 on Nov 5. Our Miami plays Carolina 2017 NFL free pick offers the Panthers at -8.5 and the over/under at 39.0.

Miami- Pluses and Minuses

The Miami Dolphins are averaging under 15 PPG, while allowing opponents 22.4. That does not bode well for a Dolphin team that must face a tough defense that punishes quarterbacks. Jay Cutler (66.2 COMP%, 10 TDs, 5 INTs) does not generate a whole lot of offense, but he’s good for some. The short pass has been the way for this team to go this season. Leading receiver Jarvis Landry (56 REC, 430 YDs, 4 TDs) is averaging just 7.7 YPC, while wideout Kenny Stills (28 REC, 341 YDs, 4 TDs) is averaging 12.2 YPC. The Miami rush attack is fairly lethargic. However, the O-line offers solid QB protection.

The defense is short of spectacular. They comes to this game with just 16 sacks, three picks, and 19 PD. They do have six FF and five recoveries, but their 22 TFL is anemic. DE Cameron Wake leads the team with six sacks, while safety Reshad Jones leads the team with 55 tackles and two interceptions. He also has three PD, two fumble recoveries, and one TD.

Dolphins Summary

• Cutler had a big game last week, we doubt he can repeat this week
• No rush attack of which to speak
• Defense must win this game

Carolina- Pluses and Minuses

What may save the Panthers in this game is their defense, which is allowing under 18 PPG. They’ve managed 29 sacks and 30 TFL. Two Des have been standouts, Julius Peppers with 7.5 sacks and two FF and Mario Addison with 6.5 sacks and one FF. LB Luke Kuechly leads the team with 65 tackles. He also has two INTs, three PD and one FF. the team has eight FF and five recoveries, but just four picks.

Cam Newton is one of the better running QBs in the NFL and one of the least effective passers. He rushed for four touchdowns while averaging 4.9 YPA. His passing stats include a completion rate under 63%, 10 TDs, and 11 INTs. He’s been sacked 23 times. WRs Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess are the top pass catchers with 32 and 38 receptions and two and three TD catches respectively.

Panthers Summary

• D can pressure QBs and stop run
• Newton is susceptible to picks and sacks
• Little running game here.

Three Top Takeaways

Our Miami plays Carolina 2017 NFL free pick offers these three major takeaways for tonight’s game:

1. Panther D is better than Dolphin D
2. Panthers have a good pass rush
3. Cutler had a breakout game vs. Oakland

Our Free Pick

If it comes down to defense, then we like the Panthers. If comes down to offense, then it’s a draw. Newton makes a lot of mistakes, while Cutler has a tough time with the medium to long pass. Neither team has much of a running game, however Newton can gain yards on the ground and sometimes adlib effectively. Our Miami plays Carolina 2017 NFL free pick is the Panthers at -8.5. we are also taking the under at 39.0 points.

Miami at Carolina Spread and Over/Under: Panthers at -8.5 and under 39.0