Dolphins vs. Buccaneers Point Spread: NFL Pre-Season Week 1 Odds, Prediction
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Nik Kowalski
Tom Brady is back for season No. 23 as his Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick the preseason off versus a new-look Miami Dolphins team. Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was recently handed a $1.5 million fine and two-months suspension for tampering with Brady in hopes of making him a player/owner with Miami.
So instead, Miami’s continuing with Tua Tagovailoa under centre and have brought in a major weapon to help out. Former Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill is now a Dolphin after Miami sent over five draft picks in March before signing him to a four-year, $120-million deal.
Kickoff between the Dolphins and Bucs goes at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday. Miami is a 1-point favourite to win on the road and the over-under sits at 32.0 on the NFL odds.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles has said Brady will not dress in this game, which explains Miami getting the edge on the point spread… but it’s still preseason. Brady threw five touchdowns in a 45-17 victory over the Dolphins last season, moving Tampa Bay to 7-0 against the spread in their last seven against Miami.
The Dolphins were on the lower side of team offence in 2021, averaging 20.1 points a game and going 10-7 to the under in their 17 games a year ago. For reference, the Bucs averaged one of the league’s highest points per games at 29.9 behind Brady’s league-leading 5,316 passing yards and 43 touchdowns.
Miami Dolphins
Hill was the flashy offseason addition, but Miami had an impressive spring when it came to advancing their team. Mike McDaniel is the team’s new head coach and brings a fresh offensive mind to the team. But the Dolphins’ most important addition may have been Terron Armstead, a 31-year-old tackle who made three straight Pro Bowls from 2018–2020.
The team also retained star cornerback Xavien Howard as well as defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and tight end Mike Gesicki. Oddsmakers have the Dolphins at +135 to make the playoffs, but if Tagovailoa progresses in his third season, it could be one of the value picks of NFL futures.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay comes in as the favourite to win the NFC and for good reason. Brady has shown zero sign of slowing down at 45 years old and his supporting cast of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Leonard Fournette are all returning on offence. Rob Gronkowski (retired) is a big missing piece and now centre Ryan Jensen will be too after a serious knee injury suffered last week.
On defence the gang is all back too — Vita Vea is a force on the Bucs front and then Devin White, Lavonte David, and Shaq Barrett make up probably the league’s best linebacking room. Safety Logan Ryan has reunited with Brady this season too, and will line up beside 23-year-old phenom Antoine Winfield Jr. in what’s potentially the league’s top safety duo.