NFL Underdog Pick: Week 12
November 20th 2008
by Special K

New England Patriots (+2) vs Miami Dolphins   

Did you know that the last time the Patriots had lost two games in a row was back in 2006?  You have to go all the way to the year 2000 before you can even find the Patriots losing two games to a divisional rival.  With a history like that and the fact that Bill Bellichick had an extra four days to prepare for this game, I'll take the Patriots every time. 

In week 3, the New England Patriots were 12.5 point favorites over Miami.  Using a new wildcat formation which the Patriots could not stop, the Dolphins pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season embarrassing the Patriots 38-13.  As Roger Daltrey put it, the Patriots won't get fooled again.  Both teams come into this game with a lot on the line and records of 6-4.  The Dolphins are riding a 4 game win streak and now find themselves as a 2 point favorite against the the defending AFC champions.  The Patriots have a lot to prove and still have a chip on their shoulder from the last time these two teams met.  I had handicapped the Patriots as a three point favorite so to me the current line is a little fishy, almost smells like tuna!

Most likely, this game will come down to the wire so I also like my chances with the experienced Patriots coaching staff over the Dolphins rookie head coach.  

Take the Patriots and the points while they last