Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions, 10/21/18 NFL Predictions & Odds

Lions vs. Dolphins Prediction

Can the Detroit Lions get to the .500 mark today at 1PM ET when they go on the road to face the short-handed Miami Dolphins?

Game Snapshot & Odds

457 Detroit Lions at 458 Miami Dolphins

Sunday, October 21, 2018

1PM ET – Hard Rock Stadium

TV: FOX

Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NFL Odds & Betting Page.

Public Betting Trends

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Lions are the slight favorite on the road, as they are getting odds of -3 points against the Dolphins. The over/under total for the contest is currently listed at 46.5 points. The public betting for this game currently has 54 percent going on Miami at home. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NFL Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.

Dolphins ailing at QB

The Miami Dolphins are coming off a 31-28 OT win over the Bears at home last week as a 7.5-point underdog. The Dolphins are now 4-2 on the season, 4-2 against the spread and 3-3 with the over/under total. They are perfect against the spread at home.

The Dolphins were able to win last week’s game without Ryan Tannehill and he isn’t going to play today either because of a shoulder injury. On the year, Miami is averaging just 21.7 points and 346.7 yards per game. Brock Osweiler was under center last week and has thrown for 415 yards and four touchdowns on the year. The Dolphins have a respectable run game, with Frank Gore leading the way with 303 yards. Defensively, Miami is giving up 24.2 points and 407.7 yards per game. Their pass defense is giving up 290 yards per game.

Lions yet to win on the road

The Detroit Lions went into the bye coming off a 31-23 win at home over the Green Bay Packers. Detroit is now 2-3 on the year, 4-1 against the spread and 4-1 with the over. They have covered the spread in four straight games.

The Lions are not great on defense, as they are giving up 27.4 points and 392.6 yards per game this season. Their run defense is among the worst in the NFL, allowing 145.8 yards per game. The Lions have been able to get to the QB, racking up 17 sacks as a unit. Offensively, Detroit is putting up 25 points and 377 yards per game. Matthew Stafford has been doing his part, throwing for 1,385 yards and 10 touchdowns with five interceptions. Kerryon Johnson has been showing some promise in the backfield, as the rookie has rushed for 286 yards and a touchdown.

NFL Betting Trends

Miami

The Dolphins have covered the spread in five of their last six home games and in five of their last seven on grass.

Detroit

The Lions are 5-1 against the spread in their last six games following a bye week and 3-0-1 ATS in their last four games on grass.

Prediction:

This is a tough call as both teams provide reasons to believe they can cover today. The Lions are fresh after a bye and have the better quarterback. However, the Dolphins are at home and have a run game that could be capable of giving the Lions a lot of issues. Playing on grass could slow down the up-tempo Detroit pass game as well. The Lions haven’t shown much consistency on the road under Matt Patricia and taking them as a road favorite right now seems questionable. Osweiler isn’t a QB I want to trust, but he did perform well against a Chicago defense that is much better than what Detroit has to offer.

 

NFL Prediction: Miami Dolphins +3

Related: Lions vs. Dolphins Total Prediction