Aug 17, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Mike White (14) takes on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
- The Miami Dolphins (2-0) visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) to close out each team’s 2024 preseason slate.
- Both teams are gearing up for important seasons, coming off of playoff appearances in 2023.
- Keep reading below for our favorite picks from Friday night’s preseason finale for the Dolphins and Buccaneers.
The Miami Dolphins end their 2024 preseason run with a trip to Tampa to play the Buccaneers on Friday night. The Dolphins haven’t left the state of Florida this preseason, hosting their first 2 games before traveling to Tampa on Friday night. How much will we see each team’s starters? Will either team show much offensively? Tune in to NFL+ at 7:30 p.m. ET to watch all the final preseason action for each squad.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Picks
- Under 37.5 points (-110)
- Dolphins under 16.5 points (-105)
Neither of these teams have played in a game with 38+ points so far in the preseason. The 2 Tampa Bay games have resulted in 31 and 27 points, while the Dolphins have played in games with totals of 33 and 19 points.
Miami is 2-0 this preseason, but the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel haven’t showed much offensively. McDaniel has a unique system, especially when it comes to the run game, so I expect him to keep his best plays hidden until Week 1 of the regular season.
Both of these teams have top receivers who are either aging, or injury risks, or both. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle likely won’t see much, if any, playing time. Ditto for Mike Evans and Chris Godwin of the Buccaneers. These teams are in full-on injury prevention mode.
Thus, I’m taking the under 38 points trend to continue. You can find odds for under 37.5 points at -110 odds over at bet365.
Next, give me the Dolphins to finish with 16 or fewer points. Again, I just don’t think McDaniel is going to show anything with the regular season just around the corner. Tyreek Hill likely won’t see any action (more on that later). Jaylen Waddle also has missed practice this week, so those are the Dolphins’ top 2 receivers who will likely be treated very carefully.
Meanwhile, veteran RB Raheem Mostert and young rising star De’Von Achane both played last week, albeit sparingly. It’s possible they don’t suit up at all on Friday. All of that points to a strong possibility that the Dolphins finish with 16 or fewer points. I’ll take the -105 odds on the under from bet365.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | 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. Use Sports Betting Dime’s bet365 promo code SBDXLM when you register for your account and you’ll receive a choice between two top-tier welcome bonuses — a first-bet safety net of up to $1,000 or $150 in bonus bets when you place your initial wager of $5+.
The Buccaneers are favored to win this game over at bet365, sporting -160 odds. If you think the Dolphins can pull off the preseason “upset,” bet365 is offering +135 odds on Miami. The spread favors the Buccaneers by 3 points, with -110 odds on both sides. As mentioned above, the points total is set at over/under 37.5, once again with equal -110 odds on each side. I like the under, as both teams have yet to eclipse 38 points in the preseason through 4 total contests.
Miami Dolphins vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers In and Out
Dolphins star Tyreek Hill is dealing with a thumb injury and has missed some practice sessions this week, so he’s unlikely to play on Friday night in Tampa. We all know what Tyreek Hill can do, so there’s no reason for him to go out and risk further injury in a meaningless preseason matchup.
What will Todd Bowles do with the Buccaneers’ starters? That remains to be seen, but veteran WRs like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will likely see limited or no action. QB Baker Mayfield might play a series or two, but don’t expect him to be out there very much.
Mike White has been the Dolphins’ top QB this preseason, while Kyle Trask has led the Buccaneers in preseason reps. That’s a trend that’s likely to continue on Friday night. Which team’s backups will have the most success? Tune in to NFL+ at 7:30 p.m. ET to watch this all-Florida showdown.
Adam is an avid college sports fan, covering both football and basketball. During the summer months, he’s all-in on MLB action, favoring pitcher strikeout parlays.