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The suddenly streaking Miami Dolphins travel to Pittsburgh for a “Monday Night Football” matchup with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers.
After a disastrous 0-3 start, many put Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel on the hot seat; however, his team is on a four-game winning streak and on the cusp of hitting .500.
Mike Tomlin’s squad has done just enough to remain the top seed in a struggling AFC North division.
Oddsmakers are giving the Steelers a field goal on the spread, with Pittsburgh laying three points at home, and the Over/Under set at 41.5 points.
Dolphins vs. Steelers odds, prediction
Without the services of pass-rusher TJ Watt, the Steelers defense will have to monitor explosive plays coming out of the Miami backfield by De’Von Achane.
Achane has 1,509 scrimmage yards and is the focal point of McDaniels’ offense. The explosive running back could present issues opposite a Steelers’ run defense that allows 125.3 yards per game.
Since Tyreek Hill’s Week 4 leg injury, Alabama speedster Jaylen Waddle has assumed WR-1 duties for the Dolphins. In this matchup against Pittsburgh, he’ll likely draw plenty of one-on-one coverage opposite veteran Jalen Ramsey.
The Steelers offense will feature a heavy dose of D.K. Metcalf, who racked up season-highs in receptions (seven) and targets (12) in Week 14 against the Ravens. Jonnu Smith and Pat Friermuth have also been instrumental in Arthur Smith’s 13-personnel, tight-end-heavy schemes.
Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell form a duo of tailbacks who have become Rodgers’ check-down security blanket. The two have combined for 80 receptions, 563 yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
Miami’s defense has improved of late, holding the opposition to just 293.3 total yards over its last three games. Three-time All-Pro and former Steeler Minkah Fitzpatrick would love to get an interception facing off with his former team.
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane (28) runs with the ball against the New York Jets. Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
With the forecast calling for frigid temperatures at Acrisure Stadium Monday night in the Steel City, this one is easier to comb through in terms of betting.
Miami is rolling, but three of those wins have come against the Saints, Commanders, and Jets, obviously not the highest caliber of opponent.
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa underperforms in cold-weather football games, while Rodgers has years of experience thriving in the chilly air of Lambeau Field.
Betting on the NFL?
In the McDaniel and Tagovailoa era, Miami is 0-7 in games with temperatures at or below 40 degrees. The temperature for Pittsburgh around kickoff is expected to be about 18 degrees, which hurts Miami’s chances of a productive game from their quarterback.
Back Tomlin and the Steelers to claw out a meaningful win towards their playoff push.
I expect Rodgers to channel his younger days in Green Bay and protect the football en route to a low-scoring, ugly win.
The Play: Steelers Moneyline (-175, BetMGM)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.