Dolphins Listed as 16.5-Point Underdogs in Week 4 vs Chargers

• The Miami Dolphins have lost all three of their games so far this season by at least 25 points
• The Los Angeles Chargers are 1-2 after back-to-back last-second losses
• We analyze the matchup with picks for the best early bets

The Miami Dolphins have opened as 16.5-point underdogs as they get set to host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 4. The Dolphins lost by at least 25 points each week this season; are they a good bet to cover or should bettors expect another blowout in this spot?

Chargers vs Dolphins Odds

*Odds taken 09/22/19 .

Dolphins Got Smoked by Cowboys

The Dolphins actually put forth their best effort of the season in Week 3 when they lost 31-6 to the Dallas Cowboys. The Dolphins were trailing 10-6 late in the second half with a chance to take the lead when Kenyan Drake fumbled on a first-and-goal. From there, the Cowboys woke up and dominated.

There were a number of positives for the Dolphins, as they did have a season-high 283 total yards. Quarterback Josh Rosen looked competent in the first half and the running game was decent before they had to abandon it. They were at least competitive for a half. That’s better than Weeks 1 and 2.

Dolphins Still Failed to Cover

What’s interesting to note is that in the Dolphins’ best game of the season, they still failed to cover the spread. As competitive as they were in the first half, they had pulp beaten out of them in the second half. Dallas outscored them 21-0.

That begs the question: was Miami playing better this week or was Dallas merely half asleep in the first half? The Los Angeles Chargers need this game, so they’re not likely to look past Miami.

Chargers Could use a Big Win

The Chargers haven’t had the start to the season that they were hoping for. Remember, this is a team that was 12-4 last season and had Super Bowl aspirations. They started the year with a narrow win over the Indianapolis Colts followed by last-second losses to Detroit and Houston.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h9PAbfwnMA

Had the Chargers been 3-0 in this spot, maybe they overlook the lowly Dolphins. However, with the Chargers having a less-than-optimal start to the year, they’ll be focused. They also know that they’re missing a ton of talent, so wins won’t come easy for them. They have to take this game seriously.

What’s the Best Bet?

We’re looking at a big number for the Chargers vs Dolphins odds but until I see the Dolphins start covering these types of spreads, I’m not interested in backing them. There are a lot of weapons on the Chargers side, including players like Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6w-n41pd530

Los Angeles has played three teams who are a combined 7-2 so far, so I’m not worried about their slow start. They’ll get right in this spot – even though they’re on the road. Playing at home isn’t necessarily an edge for the Dolphins as the few fans that will be there will be booing.