Dolphins vs. Bucs Preseason Prediction
In-state rivals will meet tonight at Raymond James Stadium where the Bucs will host the Dolphins at 7:30 p.m. ET. Listed as a small home favorite, will Tampa Bay knock off Miami and cover for bettors?
Game Snapshot
415 Miami Dolphins at 416 Tampa Bay Bucs
7:30 p.m. ET, Friday, August 16, 2019
Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
Public Betting Trends
The Bucs are 3-point home favorites versus the Dolphins while the over/under currently sits at 43 points. According to our NFL Football Public Betting Chart page, the Dolphins are receiving 53% of the betting tickets from online sportsbooks.
Tampa Bay Bucs Fantasy Spin
MMQB’s Albert Breer reports the Bucs have worked on restoring Ronald Jones’ confidence this offseason. Jones has reportedly improved from last year’s brutal rookie season, but he still has some work to do before leaping Peyton Barber on the depth chart. In the first preseason game, Barber saw more first-team snaps, though that could begin to flip if Jones begins to make plays. Bruce Arians said the plan is for both Jones and Barber to receive touches in 2019.
Miami Dolphins Fantasy Spin
Dolphins coach Brian Flores wants Josh Rosen to improve his intangibles. “He has to do a better job getting guys in and out of the huddle, his communication, body language,” Flores said. “At that position, that’s something that’s part of the evaluation, as well.” ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe reports Rosen has “intensified” his competition with Ryan Fitzpatrick in recent days. It’s becoming clear that even if Rosen can’t unseat FitzMagic for Week 1, he will soon enough.
NFL Betting Trends
Tampa Bay
The Bucs are 5-1-1 against the number in their last seven games overall.
Miami
The Dolphins are 1-6 against the spread in their last seven road games.
Prediction
If Rosen winds up seeing a lot of action tonight, which he should, then I like the Bucs. From the outside looking in, it would appear that Rosen is struggling to pick up the offense in Miami and is losing the camp battle with Ryan Fitzpatrick. Rosen threw a telegraphed interception that nearly went to the house last week against the Falcons and perhaps lacks confidence. Without knowing how much time starters will get in exhibition games, narratives rule and this is the one I’m banking on tonight.
NFL Week 2 Preseason Prediction: Tampa Bay Bucs -3