The Miami Dolphins (8-7) look to snap their four-game losing streak in a pivotal AFC East divisional clash against the New England Patriots (7-8).
Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is currently dealing with a concussion, so Teddy Bridgewater will get step in his place.
Bridgewater will look to hold down the fort in this must-win game. Similarly, the Patriots will need better quarterback play from Mac Jones if they’re to get it done here.
Let’s dive into the Miami vs New England best bets for this Week 17 divisional matchup.
Dolphins vs Patriots Odds
Dolphins vs Patriots odds are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of 12:00 p.m. EST on Dec. 26.
The Dolphins opened as one-point favorites, but they’re now 2.5-point underdogs following the news that Tua is out.
The total was originally 43.5 points, but it’s fallen to 41 points with the change at quarterback.
Bridgewater is one of the best backups in the league, so there’s some value on the Dolphins and the Over.
Take a look at the best Dolphins odds and Patriots odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Dolphins vs Patriots Implied Totals
Patriots 21.75, Dolphins 19.25
Bookmakers project this to be a really close game, as demonstrated by the short spread. They think New England has the edge with Bridgewater starting for Miami.
Dolphins vs Patriots Pick of the Day
Read more on this Dolphins vs Patriots bet below.
Dolphins vs Patriots Prediction
Dolphins 27, Patriots 21
If we look at Miami’s four-game losing streak, we can see they had a tough schedule. They lost to the 49ers, Chargers, Bills, and Packers — two Super Bowl contenders and two potential playoff teams.
The Patriots have also faced their share of tough opponents during their current 1-4 stretch, including losses to the Bills, Bengals, and Vikings. However, their last-minute loss to the Raiders was terrible.
While Bridgewater is a downgrade from Tua, the veteran quarterback has shown the ability to make big plays with stud wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. In Bridgewater’s one relief appearance back against the Bengals in Week 4, he averaged 8.39 yards per attempt.
On the other side, Mac Jones has averaged only 5.68 yards per attempt in his last two games. The Patriots struggle to generate big plays, which is not a good thing going up against the most explosive offense in the NFL.
Look for Miami to right the ship with a much-needed road win here.
Dolphins vs Patriots Bet Tips
Here are a few Dolphins vs Patriots betting trends to consider before making your bets:
- The Dolphins are 7-8 against the spread, and Unders are 8-7 in their games.
- The Patriots are 7-7-1 ATS, and Unders are 9-6 in their games.
- Jones has struggled during the Patriots’ recent losing streak.
- Bridgewater is starting for the Dolphins.
Dolphins vs Patriots Best Bets
Dolphins +2.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I think that Miami is the better team here and will rally around their backup quarterback. Bridgewater is still capable of keeping the offense on schedule, so we’ll ride with the Dolphins here.
Miami could have easily won two of the games in their four-game losing streak. I’ll bet on the better offense in this spot.
Soon you will be able to bet on the Dolphins with these Florida sportsbooks!
Over 41 Points (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
I understand that both teams have trended toward the Under this season, but this a relatively low number considering Miami’s explosive offense, even with Bridgewater at the helm.
I don’t think New England has what it takes on defense to slow down this passing game, especially with what we saw from them against the Bengals.
Soon you will be able to bet on the Patriots with these Massachusetts sportsbooks!
Dolphins vs Patriots Props
Check out the best Dolphins vs Patriots player prop bets this week with our props comparison tool. Click on “Show More Games" below to find the Miami vs New England game and see all of its prop bets.