In a battle between two Florida teams, the Miami Dolphins clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when the squads close out Week 3 of the NFL Preseason Friday night inside Raymond James Stadium, from Tampa, Florida. They kick it off at 7:30 pm.
Bookmaker has installed the Dolphins as a slim -3 point favorite. The total is 35 1/2 points.
The Dolphins are 2-0 in preseason play, and their defense has played very well in those two games. Granted, it is against, at times, second -and third-stringers on clubs, but it is a positive sign heading into their regular season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 8th.
Miami appears to have one of the league's best and most explosive offenses, and they look to improve on that mark this season. They just paid their franchise QB and believe he can lead them deep into the playoffs. Tua Tagovailoa looked sharp in a series against Washington in a 13-6 week 2 preseason win. He looked calm in the pocket and completed 5-of-5 passes for 51 yards and a touchdown.
Expect Miami starters to play a quarter or maybe two against the Bucs. This could be a fun game to watch. Running back Chris Brooks might get a solid look after rushing for over 60 yards on five carries for Miami, which would love to get their rushing attack going against a decent Bucs run defense.
Tampa Bay had a nice season last year and even won a wild card game when they defeated Philadelphia in an NFC Wild Card matchup. The Bucs have high expectations after they also paid their franchise quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield has found a home in Tampa Bay after throwing for over 4,000 yards and tossing 28 touchdowns. Head Coach Todd Bowles hinted that the core starters might get some work. But that can change on a dime. Against the Jags, he elected to sit all but four of the team's currently listed starters, and three of those players were part of the offensive line. Mayfield did not play in the 20-7 win over the Jaguars, and if he gets some reps in this one, expect a series or two.
Tampa Bay opens up their regular season at home against Washington on September 8th.
The Bucs averaged just 20 points last season, but they also gave up just under 20 points. Their defense is solid, and if they get reps against Miami, this would be a great test for them in preparation for the season opener.
The Bucs were 12-7 against the spread in 2023, while the Dolphins went a solid 10-8 against the number. The Bucs' win total for 2024 is 7 1/2, which tells us the oddsmakers believe they will take a step back. Miami, though, has a higher win total for 2024, and it currently sits at 9 1/2. That is a tricky number, especially in a competitive AFC East.
