Monday Night Football Betting - New York Jets at Miami Dolphins

Last year’s surprise winner of the AFC East Division will host this year’s surprise challenger in the AFC East as the Miami Dolphins host the New York Jets in NFL betting for Monday night football. Kickoff from Land Shark Stadium is set for 8:40pm EST and the game can be seen on ESPN. The Jets are favored by 3-points with a total of 36 at online sportsbooks. Rookie head coach Rex Ryan has completely changed the image and the outlook of the New York Jets so far as they are 3-1 both straight up and against the NFL odds.

Ryan was known as one of the best defensive coordinators in the game with the Baltimore Ravens before taking the head gig with the Jets. He has brought swagger and toughness to a team that hasn’t had such characteristics since Joe Namath was making pool side super bowl guarantees. The Jets rank 4th in total defense so far with Ryan’s system and attitude. Offense is another matter, however. The Jets rank only 25th overall on offense in NFL betting as rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, the number one overall pick in last spring’s draft, is going through the growing pains of on the job training. Sanchez has thrown 5 interceptions compared to just 4 touchdown passes and has a quarterback rating of 71.2.

The Jets have lacked a breakaway threat for Sanchez to throw to until this week when they acquired wideout Braylon Edwards in a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Edwards should provide the playmaking ability that the Jets have lacked and take heat off of Sanchez along with running backs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. The Miami Dolphins got their first win of the season last week in a 38-10 blowout over the Buffalo Bills and stand at 1-3 both straight up and against the spread. Last year’s starting quarterback, Chad Pennington, is out for the year due to a shoulder injury and Chad Henne, who started last week, will take his place. The Dolphins are the top ranked rushing team in the league, which will help keep the defenses honest against Henne. Running backs Ronnie Brown and veteran Ricky Williams expect to get a lot of work the rest of the season.

Both are averaging 5 yards per carry or better so far in 2009. Edwards arrives to the Jets with a lot of baggage concerning off the field issues including a fight last Monday. Ryan is not concerned, however. “Our goal is to win a super bowl,” the Jet coach said. “Will this give us a better chance to have a shot at our goal? I think this move will really help us.” Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano is ready for Ryan, Edwards, and the Jets. “They had a pretty good lineup before they got Edwards,” Sparano said. “Our preparation doesn’t change at all. I think you prepare every week for good skill players. From our end its just another weapon out there.” Miami has covered just 1 out of their last 11 games in NFL betting odds overall against the Jets. The Jets have paid off gamblers 5 consecutive times against the Dolphins in Miami. The two teams have gone under the total in 6 out of their last 9 games at Land Shark Stadium.

Bergen's NFL Picks: Does anyone else love the Dolphins vs. Jets games on Monday night football more than me? I don't think so... being alum of "The U" I normally don't go against Florida teams but this is about money when it comes to NFL betting. That being said, my NFL pick for tonight's ESPN Monday night football game will be to take the Jets laying the points to the OVER in a 2-team parlay at SBG Global. Vegas odds at Caesars sportsbook have the Jets -3 favorites in NFL betting odds against the Dolphins with a total of 36.5.