The Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins kick off their preseason schedule with a clash on Friday night in Miami. Expectations are high in South Beach after the Dolphins made the playoffs last season for the first time since 2016.
Atlanta is rebuilding but could compete in a lackluster NFC South division thanks to the big potential of Bijan Robinson and a retooled defense.
Falcons vs Dolphins Odds
NFL odds used for this Atlanta vs Miami preview were found at FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook and are current as of Monday, August 7 at 9:00 PM ET.
- Moneyline: Falcons (-135) • Dolphins (+115)
- Spread: Falcons -2.5 (-110) • Dolphins +2.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 36 (-110) • Under 36 (-110)
- Implied Score: Falcons 19.25, Dolphins 16.75
Falcons vs Dolphins Predictions
Score Pick: Falcons 20, Dolphins 14
My prediction would look quite different if this were a regular-season affair.
However, Miami is not expected to play their star players, including oft-injured quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. We should see a lot of Skylar Thompson and Mike White behind center for the Dolphins.
Atlanta is more likely to give their top players some playing time on Friday night.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder only played in four regular-season games in 2022. Getting him a few reps should benefit the young signal-caller as the Falcons continue their rebuild.
Falcons vs Dolphins Best Bets & Props
Atlanta Falcons Winning Margin 1-13 Points (+155)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 unit
I give Atlanta the edge to win outright because I expect their starters to be more involved on Friday night. Miami knows what they have, particularly with their quarterback and top skill players.
Because it is Week 1 of the preseason, both teams should play this one relatively close to the vest. That means the chances of a blowout should decrease. There is no reason for either team to run up the score.
With that in mind, this bet is the best way to take advantage of these circumstances. I am picking the Falcons to win by 1-13 points as my NFL bet of the day.
Half Time/Full Time: Falcons/Falcons (+125)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 units
This season, Miami should be an improved defensive unit under new Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio. But with most starters unlikely to suit up, we may not yet see that ascension.
Early on, I would expect Atlanta to have the edge regarding personnel. Their starters are more likely to see some snaps than Miami’s. Because of that, I look for the Falcons to get ahead before halftime.
The second half will feature backups and players hoping to make an NFL roster. This should lead to a vanilla brand of football schematically.
I would not expect any huge comebacks from either side in this game. I look for the Falcons to jump ahead early and hold on for the win.
Falcons vs Dolphins Same Game Parlay
Falcons vs Dolphins SGP (+264)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.25 units
- Atlanta -2.5 (-110)
- Under 36 (-110)
- Bet: $10
- Payout: $36.44
I am giving the Atlanta Falcons the edge based on the probability that their starters see more game time than Miami’s. They should be able to get up early and maintain that lead throughout the game.
I am going under the game total because I expect the second half to be more of an old-school brand of football. That should include lots of inside runs and short passes.
This style should keep the clock moving, and the lack of high-caliber skill players means that points will be at a premium.
