Panthers MNF Favorites vs. Dolphins
The Carolina Panthers have failed to cover the spread in each of their five games against the Miami Dolphins dating back to 1998. In order for the sixth time to be the charm, the Panthers will need to cover nine points at home when the teams meet on Monday night.
Carolina is 10-0 straight up and 7-2-1 against the spread – with covers in two straight – when the spread is 9+ points in their past 10 home games. They are 5-5 SU but only 3-5-2 ATS in their past 10 home games overall.
Miami, at +310 on the moneyline at Carolina for Monday night, is 2-8 SU and 6-4 ATS – with covers in two straight – when set as road underdogs receiving nine or more points. They’re 4-6 SU and 5-5 ATS – with covers in three of four – in their past 10 road games.
The OVER/UNDER for Monday night’s matchup in Carolina is set at 39 points.
The Panthers boast the top-ranked defense, allowing only 274 yards per game, paired with the fourth-ranked scoring defense at 17.4 points allowed per game. That will definitely pose a problem for the Dolphins, who only manage 270 yards and 14.5 points per game – second-worst and league-worst, respectively.
Dolphins Going with RB by Committee
After trading Jay Ajayi to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dolphins embraced a running back committee of Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams. Williams missed two practices late in the week due to an illness, but head coach Adam Gase expects him to play. Look for Drake to pace the backfield, however. He posted 104 total yards on 15 touches with a fumble last week against the Raiders.
Carolina has won two straight – both over NFC South foes. Last week, they made a concerted effort to run the football. Cam Newton finished with a season-high 86 rushing yards and a touchdown, while rookie Christian McCaffrey chipped in with 66 yards with the first rushing touchdown of his career.
Despite Jonathan Stewart’s two lost fumbles, head coach Ron Rivera said he still has faith.
So, Carolina’s three-headed running back-by-committee rolls on into Week 10 on Monday night. The offensive line will be missing center Ryan Kalil for a third straight game as he continues to deal with a neck injury that has plagued him on and off again this season.
*Odds as of November 13, 2017
