Stephen Sunday Play Vikings -5 1/2 hosting Dolphins
Analysis: Brett Favre looked old and rusty in the Vikings' season-opener. Oh, wait, Favre is old and rusty after missing training camp. But now he and the Vikings' offense are rested and have had 10 days to prepare and get their timing down for their first home matchup.
I expect Favre to play much better, especially now that Percy Harvin has checked out fine. Harvin is a dangerous playmaker who will be used frequently against the Dolphins, along with Adrian Peterson.
The Dolphins have injuries in their defensive line and at linebacker. Their secondary is young and shaky. Former Dolphin wide receiver Greg Camarillo is now with the Vikings. The veteran should prove useful dispensing information and knowing the seams of Miami's defense.
Miami is a physical, hard-nosed team. The Dolphins, though, are not a turf type of squad. Playing in a dome is a bad setting for them. They have trouble containing speed.
The Dolphins are slow starters. They are 4-12-2 ATS in their last 18 September games. They were lucky to have drawn the pathetic Bills last week.
Miami quarterback Chad Henne looked terrible during preseason and wasn't any better in the Dolphins' 15-10 Week 1 road win against Buffalo. This is Miami's second straight road game. Minnesota is 5-0-1 ATS in its last six home contests.
I predict Chad Pennington will soon reclaim the starting job in Miami replacing Henne. For now, though, Henne is the starter. He needs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to be effective on the ground.
The Vikings have finished first or second in run defense during the past five years. This spot and matchup are real bad for Miami. The Vikings are 8-2 ATS following a loss. Look for the Vikings to bounce back in big fashion.
