Written by :
Published on :
With the Dolphins vs. Patriots game having little meaning for either team, it is interesting to note that New England was still coming in as the most bet on NFL team during this final Week 17 of the 2010/2011 regular season. Spread action was getting 95 percent of the wagering action.
The Patriots of course have sealed a Playoffs spot and home field advantage. The Dolphins will not be making the Playoffs.
Perhaps the heavy one-sided betting on New England has to do with the possibility that head coach Bill Bellichick will elect to play some of his key players as he has in the past with little on the line.
"There's a lot of things that would go into that conversation, a lot of things we'll take into consideration," Belichick said. "There's some players individually whose situations are a little different than other guys. ... We'll do what's best for the football team, both individually and collectively."
Last year, New England had locked up the AFC East title going into the regular-season finale and couldn't gain a first-round bye, but Brady and many others still played in a 34-27 loss at Houston, ESPN.com notes.
Wes Welker, the 2009 NFL leader in receptions, suffered an injury in that game leading one to believe Belichick might think twice this time around. Brady has said he would like to play in Sunday’s game.
The only time the Dolphins have beaten Brady in Foxborough in eight tries was Jan. 1, 2006, when Brady played one quarter in a playoff tuneup.
Weather will not be a factor in this game with temperatures hovering in the 50’s.
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
