As the New England Patriots attempt to become the first team since the 1972 Dolphins to go through a season undefeated, it’s a little ironic that the only franchise to accomplish the feat in the Super Bowl era is trying to avoid a similar fate, but in the other direction.
After losing perhaps the ugliest game in league history on Monday night -- falling 3-0 to the Steelers on a field goal with 17 seconds left in horrid playing conditions -- Miami dropped to 0-11 on the season. The 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 0-14 mark is certainly within reach, and the Dolphins have a chance to become the first 0-16 team since the NFL expanded its schedule in 1978.
So, naturally, coming off a shutout loss, you would expect a 0-11 team to be a decided underdog against anyone they played -- particularly if their opponent had, in the prior week, just beaten the team that shut them out.
But this is the NFL, and Las Vegas oddsmakers could care less about Miami’s win-loss record. This weekend, the Dolphins opened as a 1-point favorite to beat the New York Jets.
And bettors apparently don’t care, either. The line has moved up to 2 in some places in town, which means gamblers are backing Miami. How can this be?
Here’s how. Of the Dolphins’ 11 losses, six have come by only three points -- including a 31-28 defeat by the Jets early in the season. Miami has the home-field advantage this time around, and New York, at 2-9, isn’t exactly the Patriots. That doesn’t ensure a Miami victory, but the oddsmakers think they are the better play.
And at least for one week, they have that in common with New England as the two clubs chase history.
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The celebrity picks:
Lance Burton, Monte Carlo headliner
(20-14-2)
Packers +7 at Cowboys
Chargers –5 at Chiefs
Patriots –20 at Ravens
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Anthony Crivello, star of "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular"
(19-14-3)
Chargers –5 at Chiefs
Browns +1 at Cardinals
Bears +2 vs. Giants
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Danny Gans, Mirage headliner
(16-18-2)
Cowboys –7 vs. Packers
Colts –7 vs. Jaguars
Chargers –5 at Chiefs
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Oscar Goodman, mayor of Las Vegas
(21-14-1)
Packers +7 at Cowboys
Patriots –20 at Ravens
Chargers -5 at Chiefs
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Hans Klok, Planet Hollywood headliner
(17-17-2)
Packers +7 at Cowboys
Colts –7 vs. Jaguars
Steelers –7 1/2 vs. Bengals
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Wayne Newton, "Mr. Las Vegas"
(12-20-4)
Cowboys –7 vs. Packers
Jets +1 at Dolphins
Lions +3 1/2 at Vikings
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Penn & Teller, headliners
(21-14-1)
Giants –2 at Bears
Patriots –20 at Ravens
Eagles –3 vs. Seahawks
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Rita Rudner, Harrah's headliner
(21-14-1)
Patriots –20 at Ravens
Seahawks +3 at Eagles
Browns +1 at Cardinals
Sal DeFilippo is a former sportswriter and long-time tipster. Email him at [email protected]