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Jeremy Perry
Dolphins vs. Lions Point Spread: NFL Week 8 Odds, Prediction
The Miami Dolphins got Tua Tagovailoa back under centre last week and with that, came a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it was a narrow escape and there are still ample concerns – even if the Dolphins are 4-3 to start the season.
As for the Detroit Lions, they turned the ball over five times in a loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week and are now 1-5. There are questions about the coaching staff and whether the team can turn things around. A win on Sunday would bring a wind of optimism back to the Motor City.
Miami is a 3.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with a total of 51.5.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Dolphins are 8-3 ATS in their past 11 games when coming off of a straight-up win. However, they’ve been awful during the month of October, going 0-7-1 ATS in their last eight games. As for the total, the under has been a good bet recently. It’s cashed in four of their past five overall and 11 out of their last 15 against teams with a losing record on the season.
Meanwhile, the Lions are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games played at home and are 5-1 ATS in their past six games against teams with a winning record on the year. They’re doing well for bettors but not straight up.
When it comes to the total, the under has clicked in seven out of their last nine games when coming off of an ATS loss.
Miami Dolphins
It’s been pretty clear that the Dolphins are an entirely different team with Tagovailoa at quarterback. He’s undefeated as a starter in the games that he’s finished this season. Tagovailoa had 261 yards, a touchdown, and zero interceptions against the Steelers. It wasn’t the best day, as the team scored no points in the second half, but he got his playmakers involved early and the defence did the rest.
Miami racked up three interceptions against the rookie Kenny Pickett, which shut down Pittsburgh throughout the entire game outside of one touchdown drive. They also put together two sacks when they needed it most. The Dolphins look like a complete team that plays with confidence when Tagovailoa is healthy and available.
Detroit Lions
Five turnovers were the reason for defeat as the Lions fell to the Cowboys a week ago. They had an opportunity to take the lead late in the game until Jamal Williams fumbled at the goal line, swinging the momentum to Dallas. Although the Lions want to advertise and they’re a different squad now, that fumble felt like the Lions of old.
Jared Goff only had five incompletions on the day but two of them were interceptions. He had 228 yards.
The Lions even had good success with their defence. They sacked Dak Prescott twice and forced a fumble to help keep this competitive the entire way. It felt like a lot of other Lions efforts this season: close, but no cigar. The question is can Dan Campbell get this team to turn the corner and start to deliver wins? This is a spot where they can do it as the Dolphins are on a short week.
MIA
DET