 Preseason NFL Matchup - Miami @ Carolina
Miami (1-1 SU and ATS) at Carolina (2-0, 1-1 ATS)
The Panthers look to continue their preseason success when they host the Dolphins in a nationally televised contest.
Carolina’s defense looks in midseason form, having allowed just 23 total points while producing two defensive touchdowns in victories over the Jaguars and Bills. Meanwhile, the first-string offense has been just as impressive, particularly quarterback Jake Delhomme, who has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. In fact, all three quarterbacks who have seen action – Delhomme, Stefan LeFors and Chris Weinke – have a completion percentage of 60 percent or better.
Miami rebounded from a 31-26 home loss to Jacksonville with last week’s 13-10 victory over the Buccaneers as a 2½-point road dog. Daunte Culpepper, who is coming back from a surgically repaired knee, has completed 8 of 11 passes for 88 yards in limited action this summer.
Delhomme and the rest of Carolina’s first-string unit is scheduled to play “roughly” three quarters tonight, according to coach John Fox. However, Fox was mum on whether LeFors or Weinke will replace Delhomme.
All-Pro WR Steve Smith will miss his third straight preseason game for the Panthers because of multiple injuries.
Miami coach Nick Saban said that Culpepper and the rest of the Dolphins starters will play the entire first half tonight, and according to one report, they may even play a portion of the third quarter as well. Joey Harrington will take over once Culpepper departs, with Cleo Lemon and/or Brock Berlin possibly seeing time in the fourth quarter.
Miami is hurting in its defensive secondary, with as many as four players sitting out this contest.
Carolina has produced a 12-2 exhibition record since 2001 (10-4 ATS), going 6-1 at home (5-2 ATS).
Miami is 2-5 in the preseason (1-4-2 ATS) since Nick Saban took over as coach last year, including 1-2 SU and ATS on the road.
These teams met last year in South Beach, and Miami prevailed 27-24 as a three-point home underdog.
ATS ADVANTAGE: CAROLINA  | 
