Dolphins vs Buccaneers Odds - Miami’s Wildcat roars against Bucs
NFL odds makers still aren’t giving Miami credit after winning the AFC East last year, but their Wildcat offense has looked solid in the preseason thus far. The Dolphins will head north to face a Tampa Bay team that is in rebuilding mode, and if you’re betting online, look for Miami’s Wildcat to keep the Bucs off-balance.
Dolphins vs Buccaneers Odds: Tampa Bay “D” will struggle immensely
- WHAT: NFL preseason betting action
- WHEN: Thursday, August 27, 8:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- PICK: Miami
Dolphins vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Offense The Wildcat reared its head in a 27-17 win over Carolina, as the Dolphins racked up 321 yards, which included 180 through the air and another 141 on the ground. Chad Pennington was 8-of-11 for 105 yards and a touchdown pass out of the Wildcat, but backup Chad Henne was also solid, and rookie Pat White adds athleticism. The Bucs ran for 159 yards in a 24-23 victory over Jacksonville, and the ground game needs to be good as Luke McCown led a group of average quarterbacks with two touchdown passes. They’re still missing receiver Antonio Bryant, whose ailing knee is a major factor to Tampa Bay’s online betting chances this year. Betting Edge: Miami
Dolphins vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Defense Miami’s defense held Carolina to 244 yards and they forced a turnover, and rookie corner Vontae Davis had a much better game than he did in his debut when he was penalized three times, as he had four tackles against the Panthers. The Bucs limited Jacksonville to 61 yards on the ground, and even though they didn’t pick off the Jaguars’ quarterbacks, they held them to 19-of-41 completions. Both defenses were good when it counted: Miami stopped Carolina on 9-of-11 third-down attempts, while Tampa Bay held the Jaguars to 2-of-14 on third down. These types of numbers are essential to a win in your offshore sportsbook. Betting Edge: Draw
Dolphins vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Special Teams The Dolphins’ return teams struggled a bit, especially on kickoff returns, but their kickers were perfect and punter Brandon Fields averaged over 45 yards on his kicks. The Bucs got solid kickoff returns, but kicker Mike Nugent missed a field goal that unluckily didn’t cost Tampa Bay. Betting Edge: Miami
Dolphins vs Buccaneers odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries Miami’s injuries come on the defensive side of the ball, as linebacker Matt Roth (groin) and corners Sean Smith and Jason Allen (illnesses) could miss this game. Bryant (knee) isn’t the only receiver limping as Dexter Jackson (ankle) could be held out of this clash. Nugent was only kicking because starter Matt Bryant (hamstring) couldn’t go, and linebacker Angelo Crowell (biceps) is gone for the year. Betting Edge: Miami
Dolphins vs Buccaneers betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The Dolphins have lost three of their four trips to Tampa Bay, but that won’t make a difference on Thursday as we should see the Miami starters on the field for most of the game. The key matchup will be the Miami Wildcat against a Tampa Bay defense that is playing their third game without Monte Kiffin as the coordinator. This will be the first big test of the preseason, and the Dolphins’ offense is gaining steam. Miami is too unpredictable for Tampa Bay’s defense, which is why they should be your sports betting pick on the road. STAN’S PICK: Miami
For more NFL betting analysis and tips, follow Stan in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
