Miami Dolphins NFL Prediction: 2021 Season Betting Odds and Preview

The building blocks are starting to align for the Miami Dolphins. The 2020 season saw the franchise win 10 games for only the second time since the 2009 season. The team is starting to load up around Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa but the big question is, is Tua ready to take the next step? Tagovailoa was 6-3 as a starter (nine starts) last season and at times looked more than NFL ready. However, the 23-year-old had some downfalls as well. He is currently listed at +5100 at SIA to win the NFL’s MVP award.

Head Coach Brian Flores is entering his third season in South Florida and is expected to deliver the Dolphins a playoff spot for only the third time since the 2002 season.

Miami Dolphins Acquisitions and Moves

Receiver DeVante Parker leads an explosive group of pass-catchers that includes first-round draft pick Jaylen Waddle, Tight End Mike Gesicki and free agent Will Fuller who arrives in South Beach via Houston. For the record, Waddle could be worth a flyer for offensive rookie of the year award paying +1600.

Former Indianapolis Colts pivot Jacoby Brissett will back up the young Tagovailoa after Ryan Fitzpatrick found a new home in Washington. The backfield looks solid with Myles Gaskin holding down the RB1 spot and Malcolm Brown who spent time with the Los Angeles Rams last season backing him up.

The Dolphins finished the 2020 season with the sixth ranked defence. Defensive End Jaelen Phillips (first round pick, 18^th overall) will improve this already strong defence.  He is one of the heavy favourites at SIA to win defensive rookie of the year at + 697 ranked second only behind Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons at +448.

In March, the team traded offensive Guard Ereck Flowers to Washington, but a week later they came to terms with offensive lineman DJ Fluker, who is expected to start this upcoming season.

The team also released Linebacker Kyle Van Noy, who later signed a contract with the Patriots, a team he spent four seasons with previous to his stay in South Florida.

Miami Dolphins 2021 NFL Schedule

The Dolphins’ 2021 strength of schedule ranks as the sixth-easiest in the NFL. They have the second easiest schedule in the AFC and the easiest schedule in the AFC East. The Dolphins start the regular season with back-to-back games against division rivals New England and at Buffalo in week two. Here’s a look at their 2021 schedule:

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 12 at New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 19 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 26 at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:05 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars, 9:30 a.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24 vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.

Week 10: Thursday, Nov. 11 vs. Baltimore Ravens, 8:20 p.m.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28 vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5 vs. New York Giants, 1:00 p.m.

Week 14: Bye week

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19 vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Monday Dec. 27 at New Orleans Saints, 8:15 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2 vs. Tennessee Titans, 1 p.m.

Week 18: Sunday, Jan. 9 vs. New England Patriots, 1 p.m.

Miami Dolphins NFL Betting Odds

The Lines Management team at Sports Interaction think that the Fins will match their 2020 campaign with another 10-win season. They have set the team’s win total at 9.5. There is decent value on the Fins winning the AFC East, currently paying +302 at SIA.

Miami Dolphins 2021 Season Prediction

The Dolphins will challenge the Bills for the AFC East crown but look for a second-place finish and part of Wild Card weekend this post season.  Pencil the Dolphins down for an 11-6 record this upcoming season.