The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) and Miami Dolphins (6-9) meet Sunday in a Week 17 matchup at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NFL odds around the Buccaneers vs. Dolphins odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
Buccaneers lead all-time series 7-5, including a 45-17 victory over the Dolphins in their last meeting in 2021. Tampa Bay has won 3 in a row, and 6 of the past 7 in the series.
The Bucs have lost 3 in a row, including a 23-20 loss at the Carolina Panthers in Week 16 as 3-point favorites as the Under (44) cashed. QB Baker Mayfield passed for 145 yards and 1 TD, while RB Bucky Irving rushed for 71 yards. Tampa Bay has lost 3 in a row, and 6 of the past 7 games, while failing to cover in 7 in a row.
The Panthers hold a 1-game lead in the NFC South Division over the Bucs, and those teams meet in Week 18. However, if the Panthers win in Week 17 against the Seattle Seahawks, and the Bucs stub their toe again, Tampa Bay would be eliminated. If both teams win, both teams lose, or Tampa wins and Carolina loses, it will be a winner-take-all game in Week 18 for the division.
The Dolphins are eliminated from playoff contention, and they’ve lost the past 2 outings, while going 0-2 against the spread (ATS), and 1-3 ATS in the past 4 games. Miami lost 45-21 as a 3.5-point underdog to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17 as the Over (48) cashed. QB Quinn Ewers threw for 260 yards, 0 TDs and 2 INTs in his NFL debut as a starter, while RB De’Von Achane rushed for 81 yards and a TD.
Buccaneers at Dolphins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 7:02 p.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Buccaneers -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | Dolphins +220 (bet $100 to win $220)Against the spread: Buccaneers -5.5 (-115) | Dolphins +5.5 (-105)Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)Buccaneers at Dolphins key injuries
Buccaneers
DL Calijah Kancey (pectoral) outLB Anthony Nelson (knee) outOT Tristan Wirfs (toe) out
Dolphins
C Aaron Brewer (neck) questionableLB Tyrel Dodson (chest) questionableWR Dee Eskridge (toe) doubtfulFS Minkah Fitzpatrick (calf) outCB Isaiah Johnson (knee) outDT Benito Jones (back) outOL Andrew Meyer (triceps) questionablePK Jason Sanders (hip) questionableBuccaneers at Dolphins picks and predictionsPrediction
Buccaneers 26, Dolphins 18
The Buccaneers (-275) will cost nearly 3 times your potential return, and that’s a little too expensive for a standalone wager. Even as part of a multi-leg parlay, Tampa Bay is only worth including in a betslip with 4 or more sides.
PASS, as a standalone wager.
The BUCCANEERS -5.5 (-115) are worth a look in this battle in the Sunshine State. Tampa Bay still has something to play for, as it tries to keep its playoff chances alive. The Bucs have shown very little signs of believing in them, though, especially laying 5.5 points. It takes a bit of a leap of faith.
The Dolphins have a rookie QB making his second NFL start, and the Buccaneers pass rush will try to make things miserable for him. If they don’t, Tampa Bay might have nothing to play for next week.
UNDER 44.5 (-105) is worth playing lightly, with a half-unit bet at most.
The Over is 2-0-1 in the past 3 games for the Dolphins, with the offense averaging 23.4 point per game (PPG), with the defense allowing 36.5 PPG in the past 2 outings.
For the Bucs, the Over has hit in 2 of the past 3 outings, and the offense has scored 20 or more points in 4 in a row, while allowing 25.3 PPG in the past 3 contests, so the Under is going to be a close shave.
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