At First Glance Key Trend - NE/MIAMI

[The Director]

With so many Key NFL Trends ringing true on Sunday, the MNF matchup fits this bill again with the New England Patriots, who concluded the 2010 Regular Season 4-1 ATS in their last five games; outscoring their opponents by over 27 points PPG on 36.8 PPG. Although Belichik is a slow starter going 2-3 ATS, 1-0 ATS on the Road in his last five opening days, their opponent, the MIAMI DOLPHINS closed 2010 on a failing track going 1-4 ATS in their last five games; averaging only 13.6 PPG on only 187 passing yards per game ('PYPG'). This is particular troubling for the Fish, who are 0-2 ATS in their last two games versus the Patriots, and 1-3 ATS at Home in their recent matchups; Underdogs by as much as 16 points in 2007. While Sparano scared many Patriots faithful with his sweep ATS in 2009, the Dolphins inability to beat the Pats last year when Brady managed only 146 passing yards (due to four interceptions of their own) leaves little hope that the Dolphins can keep their opening day winning streak alive; 1-3-1 ATS in their last five opening days. The Fish's first opening day in Miami since 2008, 2004 was the last time the Patriots were favored by 4 or less points over the Dolphins.