Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers: betting preview, free tips, TV details

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Eight of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 12.15am Monday night

Best bet

Miami +14.5
2pts 10-11 Betfred, Coral, Sky Bet

Match preview

Miami have looked earmarked to have the first pick in next year's draft ever since they suffered a 59-10 defeat to Baltimore in Week One.

They head into Week Eight still looking for their first win of the season and as a team who have conceded an average of 35.2 points per game and scored just 10.5 per outing, it is little wonder that many feel they won't get one in the entire campaign.

Monday's visit to Pittsburgh is the fifth occasion this term that they have gone into a game as underdogs of 14 points or more, but they have shown signs of improvement in the last couple of weeks.

Victory at Heinz Field may prove beyond them but they are due a change of fortune after a couple of recent hard-luck stories.

Had they made a last-gasp two-point conversion against the almost equally woeful Washington, they would have not suffered a 17-16 defeat.

And they also led in the fourth quarter against Buffalo in an AFC East battle but turnovers contributed to their downfall and they fell to a 31-21 defeat.

They may be tiny steps but Miami look like they are heading in the right direction and a trip to the Steelers may not be as fearful as it once was.

Pittsburgh do not possess the offensive power of previous seasons and they are struggling to remain competitive in the AFC North with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sidelined and replacement Mason Rudolph returning from concussion.

They have posted wins over Cincinnati and the Los Angeles Chargers, which is little to crow about, and while they have run decent teams such as Seattle, San Francisco and Baltimore close, it is a leap of faith to back a team averaging 20.5 point per game to win by such a hefty margin.

Rudolph could be rusty after his head injury too, so the Dolphins may be able to stay in contention.

For more American sports analysis and tips, visit www.pickswise.com

The lowdown

Venue Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Surface Grass
Weather Clear, 12C
Vegas handicap Miami +14
Vegas points line 43.5

Team news

Miami Dolphins
Centre Daniel Kilgore and safety Reshad Jones have been ruled out and cornerback Xavien Howard is rated questionable.

Pittsburgh Steelers
Linebacker Mark Barron is rated questionable. Wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (illness) is set to play.

Key stat

The Steelers have failed to cover the handicap on the last five occasions they have been double-figure favourites

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