Dolphins Patriots Best Bets
Our pick⁚ Dolphins -2.5 (-130). You can also bet Miami’s moneyline at -160. We like Waddle OVER 64.5 receiving yards (-114). The over/under for Hill is set at 94.5, which seems too high.
Key Game Details and Odds
The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots will face off in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 8⁚20 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro٫ Massachusetts٫ and the game will be broadcast nationally on NBC. The Dolphins will be looking to start the season 2-0 for the second straight year after their thrilling 36-34 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. The Patriots٫ meanwhile٫ are hoping to bounce back from a narrow 25-20 loss to the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles.
As of Friday afternoon, the Dolphins are 3-point favorites over the Patriots, according to BetMGM. The over/under for the game is set at 46.5 points. The moneyline for the game is Dolphins -160, Patriots +135. This means that a $100 bet on the Dolphins to win outright would pay out $162.50, while a $100 bet on the Patriots would pay out $235.
Historical Performance and Recent Form
The Dolphins have dominated the recent series against the Patriots, winning the past four meetings dating back to the 2022 season. This includes a two-game sweep of New England last year٫ marking the first time Miami had swept the season series since 2017. However٫ the Patriots still hold a commanding 60-55-1 edge in the all-time series between these two AFC East rivals.
New England has traditionally been a very tough place for Miami to play. The Dolphins last won in Foxborough in 2021 and have historically struggled on the road against Bill Belichick-coached teams. The Patriots’ defense will present a challenge for Miami’s high-powered offense, which looked unstoppable in Week 1 against the Chargers.
Miami enters this matchup riding high after their impressive comeback win over Los Angeles. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was exceptional, throwing for 466 yards and three touchdowns. The Dolphins’ offense will look to continue their momentum against a Patriots defense that struggled to contain Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ rushing attack last week. On the other side, the Patriots will look to build on a surprisingly solid offensive performance against Philadelphia. While they fell short, Mac Jones and the Patriots moved the ball well and showed potential.
Player Matchups and Injuries
A key matchup to watch will be Miami’s dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle against New England’s secondary. The Patriots will be without starting cornerback Jack Jones (hamstring), which could be a significant advantage for the Dolphins’ passing attack. Look for Bill Belichick to scheme ways to limit Hill’s explosiveness, potentially bracketing him with a safety over the top. This could open up opportunities for Waddle, who is coming off a solid Week 1 performance himself.
On the injury front, the Patriots will be without defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who is out indefinitely due to blood clots. Barmore is a key piece of the Patriots’ defensive line, and his absence will be felt; New England will need other players to step up in his absence to contain a potent Miami rushing attack. Additionally, keep an eye on the status of Patriots wide receiver DeVante Parker, who is dealing with a knee injury. His availability could impact the Patriots’ offensive game plan.
For the Dolphins, keep an eye on left tackle Terron Armstead, who is questionable with a back injury. Armstead is crucial for protecting Tua Tagovailoa’s blindside, and his absence would be a significant blow to the Dolphins’ offensive line. If Armstead can’t go, the Patriots’ pass rush, led by Matthew Judon, could be a major factor in this game.
Expert Predictions and Betting Trends
The Dolphins are currently 2.5-point road favorites against the Patriots, with the over/under set at 46.5 points. Expert predictions are leaning towards Miami, with many analysts impressed by Tua Tagovailoa’s Week 1 performance and the Dolphins’ offensive firepower. However, betting against Bill Belichick and the Patriots at home is always risky, especially in a divisional matchup.
Betting trends reveal that the Dolphins have won their last four meetings against the Patriots, covering the spread in three of those games. Additionally, Miami has been profitable for bettors as of late, going 8-1 against the spread in their last nine games. However٫ it’s worth noting that the Patriots have historically dominated this matchup at Gillette Stadium٫ winning 15 of their last 18 home games against the Dolphins.
Public betting is currently split, with a slight lean towards the Dolphins. This suggests that the sharps might be siding with the Patriots, who are getting points at home. As always, it’s crucial to monitor line movements and injury reports closer to kickoff, as they could provide valuable insights for making informed betting decisions.
Best Bets and Prop Picks
For this AFC East showdown, we’re siding with the Miami offense to light up the scoreboard. Our top bet is the Dolphins -2.5 (-130). Miami’s offensive firepower, led by Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle, seems poised to overwhelm a Patriots defense still finding its footing. While Belichick is a master strategist, containing Miami’s speed and explosiveness for a full 60 minutes will be a tall task.
When it comes to prop bets, we’re looking towards Jaylen Waddle to shine. With the Patriots likely focused on limiting Tyreek Hill, Waddle could find himself with favorable matchups and opportunities for big plays. Our favorite prop pick is Waddle OVER 64.5 receiving yards (-114). His speed and route-running ability make him a threat to break loose for chunk plays, especially if the Patriots defense keys in on Hill.
While we expect the Dolphins to come out on top, betting against Belichick at home is always a gamble. Consider hedging with a smaller wager on the Patriots moneyline (+135) for a potential upset scenario. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy what promises to be a thrilling Week 2 matchup.