Miami Dolphins quarterback Mike White (14) takes the field before a game against the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA, August 17, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
The Miami Dolphins (2-0) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) to close out the 2024 preseason matchup for both teams, as both teams prepare for big seasons after coming off playoff appearances in 2023. Read on for our favorite picks from Friday night's final preseason game between the Dolphins and Buccaneers.
The Miami Dolphins will conclude their 2024 preseason with a trip to Tampa to take on the Buccaneers on Friday night. The Dolphins will not leave Florida this preseason, playing their first two games on their own before traveling to Tampa on Friday night. How much of each team's starters will we see? Will either team have a strong offense? Tune in to NFL+ at 7:30 PM ET to watch each team's final preseason game in full.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Predictions
37.5 points or less (-110) Dolphins 16.5 points or less (-105)
Neither team has had a game so far this preseason in which they've scored more than 38 points. Tampa Bay's two games have seen them score 31 and 27 points, while the Dolphins have had games where they've scored 33 and 19 points combined.
Miami is 2-0 this preseason, but the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel haven't shown much going for them offensively, and with McDaniel having a unique system, especially when it comes to the run game, I don't expect them to play their best until Week 1 of the regular season.
Both teams have top receivers who are aging and/or at risk of injury — Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are expected to see little to no playing time, as are Mike Evans and Chris Godwin for the Buccaneers — and both teams are working hard to prevent injuries.
Therefore, I expect the trend to continue for 38 points or less. On bet365, you can find odds of 37.5 points or less at -110.
Secondly, I expect the Dolphins to finish with 16 or fewer points. Again, with the regular season right around the corner, I don't expect McDaniels to be active, Tyreek Hill will likely be out (more on that later), and with Jaylen Waddle also missing practice this week, the Dolphins' top two receivers will likely be treated with extreme caution.
Meanwhile, veteran running back Raheem Mostert and young star Devon Achan both played sparingly last week and may not play at all on Friday. All of this means the Dolphins are more likely to finish with 16 points or less. I'd bet on the under at -105 odds with bet365.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds
Team Spread Money Line Total Miami Dolphins +3.0 (-110) +135 O 37.5 (-110) Tampa Bay Buccaneers -3.0 (-110) -160 U 37.5 (-110)
Odds via bet365 as of Friday, August 23. When you use Sports Betting Dime's bet365 promo code SBDXLM when you sign up for an account, you can choose from two top-level welcome bonuses: a first-bet safety net of up to $1,000 or a bonus bet of $150 if your first bet is $5 or more.
bet365 has the Buccaneers more likely to win this game, with odds of -160. If you think the Dolphins can pull off a preseason “upset,” bet365 offers Miami with odds of +135. The spread is favored by the Buccaneers by 3 points, with odds of -110 for both. As mentioned above, the point total is set at an over/under of 37.5, with odds of -110 for both. I prefer the under, as neither team has scored more than 38 points in their four combined games in the preseason.
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Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In and Out
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill has been bothered by a thumb injury that has kept him from practicing this week and likely means he won't play in Friday night's game in Tampa. We all know how good Tyreek Hill is, so there's no need for him to risk injury by playing in a meaningless preseason matchup.
How will Todd Bowles handle the Buccaneers starters? It remains to be seen, but veteran WRs like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will likely see limited or no playing time. QB Baker Mayfield might play a series or two, but don't expect him to play much.
Mike White has been the Dolphins' top quarterback this preseason, while Kyle Trask leads the Buccaneers in preseason practices. That trend will likely continue on Friday night. Which team's reserve players will have the most success? Tune in to NFL+ at 7:30 PM ET to watch the Florida State showdown.
Adam Spencer
NFL NBA MLB Golf Soccer NCAAF NCAAB
Adam is an avid college sports fan, watching both football and basketball, binging MLB games during the summer and enjoying pitcher strikeout parlays.
NFL NBA MLB Golf Soccer NCAAF NCAAB
Adam is an avid college sports fan, watching both football and basketball, binging MLB games during the summer and enjoying pitcher strikeout parlays.
