Miami made the playoffs a year ago but lost quarterback Ryan Tannehill in the preseason due to injury. Jay Cutler is now the man for the season after being pulled out of retirement and he will aim to lead the team to another winning record. This game will be an interesting one to see how both teams play as they are expected to be in the middle of the NFL pack on 2017.
This matchup in Week 1 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Tampa Bay Buccaneers -2.5
Miami Dolphins +2.5
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
The bettors seem in on the Buccaneers. They are getting about 62 percent of the action to cover even though they are road favorites. It would be easy for someone to place a wager on the Dolphins to take care of business at home, but thus far there is belief in Tampa Bay.
The scoring total is expertly pegged as the “over” and the “under” have been wagered on almost exactly evenly so far.
Injury Report
Raekwon McMillan -- The Dolphins’ second-round pick was hoping to make an impact as a rookie but he tore his ACL in a preseason game, joining Tannehill on the sideline for the year and setting back Miami quite a bit before the season starts. The Dolphins have some stars on defense like Ndamukong Suh up front but the addition of McMillan would have helped round out the unit, and his presence will be missed.
Doug Martin -- The Bucs running back isn’t hurt but he will miss this game due to suspension. Martin is expected to be the team’s starting running back when he returns to the field. For now, Jacquizz Rodgers is expected to be the running back who sees the most carries, but Tampa Bay could struggle to get a lot going on the ground without their most talented ball-carrier.
Player to Watch
DeSean Jackson -- The speedy wideout should be a big addition for Winston and the Tampa Bay offense. Mike Evans is a proven star and should put up big numbers, but the Buccaneers have not had a suitable No. 2 to help ease the burden off him.
Jackson is that and more, as he is a big-play guy whose quickness must be accounted for on every play. Winston has a big arm and will aim to connect with Jackson on some big plays in this one. If they can do so, the Dolphins’ task will get much harder in keeping this offense in check.
Free ATS Pick
Many people are counting out the Dolphins because of Tannehill’s injury, but Cutler is good enough to keep the ship afloat. Miami needs to lean on star running back Jay Ajayi in this one and make sure Cutler simply manages the game rather than go and try to make big plays, because those often result in turnovers. If the Dolphins are patient, they will have a shot at the win.
The Buccaneers added former Pro Bowl safety T.J. Ward this week and hope to get him up to speed quickly enough to make an impact. While he should help down the road, the Buccaneers may not be looking at the best matchup in this one.
If Suh can wreak havoc up front, Tampa Bay may have trouble putting together consistent scoring drives. People are overrating the Buccaneers this season. Choose Miami to take care of business at home by covering the spread and pulling the upset.
NFL Odds: Dolphins 23, Buccaneers 17
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