The NFL week 15 Dolphins at Giants free pick isn’t the most glamorous one on Sunday’s slate, but it is still interesting. New York is a -3 favorite despite coming into the game having lost 9 in a row. Miami is on the road, but also comfortable with that after playing in New Jersey last week vs. the Jets. Throw in the fact that the Dolphins are 3-3 their last 6 and this possibly being the last home game for a Hall-of-Fame bound QB and this game gets more intriguing.
Which Hit or Miss Dolphins Team Shows Up Sunday?
Miami was easy to predict early in the season – they were horrible every week. That job has gotten a little tougher over the last 6 weeks as the Dolphins have posted a 3-3 record over that span. Aside from wins over the Jets, at the Colts, and the Eagles, Miami also has a couple 17 point losses to the Bills and at Cleveland during that stretch.
Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to 6 red zone trips last week vs. the Jets, but on the day Miami could only tally 7 FGs in a 22-21 loss at MetLife Stadium. Fitzpatrick still threw for 248, but it was a far cry from his 365, 3 TD game a week prior vs. the Eagles. Part of Miami’s inability to close drives last week was due to injuries during the game to WRs Devante Parker (concussion), Albert Wilson (concussion), and Allen Hurns (ankle/knee). They are all expected to be available in the NFL week 15 Dolphins at Giants free pick vs. New York’s #26 ranked pass defense however.
The Giants want to get a win in front of their home crowd to stop a 9-game skid. Does Miami even want to win here though? A Dolphins loss would vault them from the #4 draft pick up to the #2 as New York and Washington would have both beat Miami this season. That would set up ‘tank bowl’ next week with the Dolphins hosting the Bengals. Barring a Cincinnati win in week 15 they would still have a 1-game “lead” for worst record. Just another angle to pursue here.
Giants Sending Out Manning in Style?
Eli Manning saw his first action in 3 months when he guided New York to OT vs. Philadelphia on Monday night where they ultimately lost 17-23 at Philadelphia. Manning went 15/30 in that game and did have two scoring strikes. The Giants do have one more home game left in this disappointing 2019 campaign, but rookie signal caller Daniel Jones could return from an ankle injury in the season finale. That means the NFL week 15 Dolphins at Giants free pick could be Manning’s last as a Giant in MetLife Stadium.
While all eyes will be on Manning, it’s Saquon Barkley’s time to shine vs. Miami’s #31 ranked rushing defense that is allowing 33.3 ppg over their last three. Cleveland had 32 carries for 147 yards and the Jets went for 112 in the Dolphins last two on the road. Barkley hasn’t broken 100 yards rushing since week two, but this is his chance to show that the sophomore slump is a myth.
The Giants defense played good enough to win last week, holding the Eagles to 17 points in regulation. Philadelphia did have 300 yards passing and 110+ rushing though. New York gave up a 4 TD passing day to Aaron Rodgers the week before that and Mitch Trubisky was 25/41 for 278 the game before that. There’s potential for the Dolphins passing game here.
NFL Week 15 Dolphins at Giants Free Pick
New York looked a bit more energized on Monday night with Manning under center. This season is a lost cause, but it’s a nostalgic day with Manning making possibly his last start as a member of the Giants at MetLife Stadium. New York should be able to run the ball vs. Miami’s defense and the Dolphins will struggle playing on the road in back-to-back weeks, even if it’s in the same Stadium both games.
Pick: Giants -3
