Ryan Tannenhill playing in the Super Bowl?
It might sound crazy the first time you say it, no question, but let it roll off your tongue a few times and it become less “loco”. But for me, the Dolphins are the “long shot with a shot” team that intrigues me in the AFC.
Look for the Dolphins to use first-half momentum to smack a few teams in the mouth
Miami Dolphins’ Super Bowl Odds – Miami 28-1
Miami Dolphins’ Odds to win the AFC – Miami 10-1
(odds courtesy 5Dimes Sports)
So how could Miami find themselves in San Francisco next February?
Let’s start with the start.
They’re going to hit the midway mark of the season with a 7-1 record; not too shabby.
That said, the fact they could go 1-7 after that is troubling.
But I don’t see them ending up 8-8 again this year. Rather I see them hosting a playoff game.
No question the strength of schedule dial gets cranked at the turn, but look for them to use all the confidence and momentum they banked in the first half to smack a few teams in the mouth in the back half – teams like the Cowboys, Ravens and Giants at home and the Jets and Chargers on the road.
And in this year’s version of the AFC, a home playoff game puts them right in the mix.
With odds of 28-1 to win the big game, I see some value there. Not “take it the bank” value, but as Greg Dempson says, “pizza and beer” wager size value.
Now, if they have to head to New England in late January, put a nail in it, their season is done. But if they can avoid a cold weather game and get their shot vs. Indy in the dome, this defense gives them a chance.
And for Miami this year, it’s all about the defense.
I’m fine with the offense (Tannenhill is starting to hit his stride after a very nice 2014 campaign). Sure the receiving corps is thin (put politely). But they can run the ball (for crying out loud, just make Lamar Miller the feature back and get on with it)and Tannenhill’s showing he can protect it. Both critical to playoff success.
Sure it’s a long shot, but that’s why the odds are what they are. A few things are going to have to go right for them, but the Fins give me pause when I think of teams outside the top two or three that could make a run.
Ndamukong Suh props up a defense that was already tough to face. They’re now one of the best in the league.
Tough vs. the run and the ability to get to the QB can take a team a long way.
The days of the Dolphins being an afterthought in the AFC are over.
I’m in for a small future bet on the Dolphins at 28-1 to win the Super Bowl. It’s my “future flier” for this year.
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