What Are The Odds? Redskins Host the Dolphins Week 1

The regular season is finally here after a long offseason for the Redskins that saw the usual mix of on and off the field storylines unfold in tragic and comedic fashion.  Robert Griffin III lost his starting QB position to Kirk Cousins and is still awaiting clearance from the doctor that cleared him originally.  The Redskins have dealt with multiple injuries during the offseason that will hurt several areas of the team like special teams, tight end, and pass rush.

The Redskins, under new GM Scot McCloughan have looked to strengthen the offensive and defensive lines this offseason through free agency(DL), and the draft(OL).  They also hit free agency for improvements to their secondary, with CB Chris Culliver being the team's big ticket free agency signing, while S Jeron Johnson was a low cost signing who was unable to beat out Duke Ihenacho at SS. They also traded for Dashon Goldson, who enters the season as the starting free safety.

What are the odds for Sundays game vs the Dolphins?

Miami is currently favored by 3.5 points when they visit FedEx Field to face the Redskins on Sunday, per SportsBookReview. The over under for the game is set at 43 1/2 for now, with the Dolphins Team Total at 23 1/2 and the Redskins Team Total at 19 1/2.

Miami spent a ton of money to add Ndamukong Suh to their talented defensive line, and are going to look to take advantage of the inexperienced right side of the Redskins offensive line featuring rookie RG Brandon Scherff, and 2nd year RT Morgan Moses.  On offense, they have 4th-year starter Ryan Tannehill who has been given a lot of weapons this year.  The Dolphins traded for WR Kenny Stills, signed WR Greg Jennings, and drafted DeVante Parker this year. He also has RB Lamar Miller, who is coming off a 1000+ yard rushing season, TE Jordan Cameron, and slot WR Jarvis Landry to make life difficult for Redskins DC Joe Barry.

This is the first game for the Redskins new defense under Barry, and Kirk Cousins hasn't worked the full offseason program as the starter. The defense has improved on the line but the secondary is a big concern with DeAngelo Hall's injuries, Bashaud Breeland's Week 1 suspension, Dashon Goldson's play, David Amerson's play, etc.  The Dolphins should be a good, but not great team this year, and the defensive line will give the Redskins major problems.  Cousins could lead the team to more points than I have predicted, but it will be difficult this week.  Disappointing home loss to open the season.

Prediction: Dolphins 24 - Redskins 19

Bets: Dolphins -3.5, Under