With the Hall of Fame Game last week, the 2022 NFL preseason begins this week as the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers go head-to-head in a Florida clash.
This is the preseason debut for Mike McDaniel after spending the last five years in San Francisco as a run game and offensive coordinator. In the case of the Buccaneers, Todd Bowles returns as a head coach, following Bruce Arians stepping down in that role and shifting to senior football consultant for the team.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Odds
The Dolphins head to Tampa Bay as the slight favorites over the Buccaneers, according to our NFL odds. This would not be the case if this were the regular season, as Miami missed the playoffs last season while the Buccaneers were a game away from the NFC Championship game.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Implied Score
Dolphins 16, Buccaneers 15
Tampa Bay has been dealing with injuries during training camp, with both Ryan Jensen and Russell Gage leaving practice the other day, so the Buccaneers will most likely take it easy during the preseason. As a result, I don’t see the starters playing much for the Bucs, while Miami’s first team should get an extended run.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Pick of the Day
Read more on this Dolphins vs Buccaneers bet below.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Matchup
The Buccaneers’ injury report features the following players: Tom Brady (personal reasons), Mike Evans (hamstring), Chris Godwin (knee), Breshard Perriman (leg), Robert Hainsey (lower leg), Jensen, and Gage. The Dolphins’ only injury is Byron Jones (ankle), who is working on a Week 1 return.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Prediction
Dolphins 24, Buccaneers 14
Miami and Tampa Bay have been participating in joint practices throughout the week, so both sides have gotten a chance to get a good look at one another. With the slew of injuries the Buccaneers have been dealing with, it’s safe to assume they’ll like to avoid adding anyone else to the injury report.
This game is McDaniel’s coaching debut, and with the Dolphins in a scheme, the starters will stay out there for a few drives. The offense was significantly upgraded during the offseason with the additions of Tyreek Hill, Cedrick Wilson Jr., Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, and Sony Michel.
It’s likely we won’t see much of Tua Tagovailoa, Jaylen Waddle, and Hill, but the rest of the starters will be on the field, as the running back battle will be in full swing with Myles Gaskin looking to hang on to a roster spot.
Again, the Buccaneers will likely be happy getting out of this game unscathed, so the big hitters won’t be on the field. This will be a comfortable win for Miami.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Bet Tips
Despite all the injuries to Tampa Bay’s starters, Miami is still just a one-point favorite in this preseason matchup.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Best Bets
Dolphins -1 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
The Dolphins made plenty of moves this offseason as they enter the 2022 NFL season looking to make a Super Bowl run. This will be the team’s first look, along with the coaching debut of McDaniel.
Miami will have their starters on the field a lot longer, and they have the depth on both sides of the ball to compete. Back the Dolphins to cover the spread for your NFL pick of the day.
Over 31 Total Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
In 2021, the 49ers had a top 10 offense with McDaniel as offensive coordinator with creative play-calling. He’ll carry that over to the Dolphins, as they have plenty of versatile players that can do it all.
Miami will have to carry the scoring load in this matchup with most of Tampa’s key players hurt.
