The Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons have been winless in the preseason, but Thursday’ meeting provides the last opportunity for them to notch a victory. The Dolphins, who are +900 to win the AFC East, are not expected to do contend for a Super Bowl win next season. It’s a different case with the Falcons, who are +2,200 to win Super Bowl 53.
Betting on the Miami Dolphins (0-3 Preseason Record)
Another week, another preseason loss for the Dolphins, who absorbed a 27-0 defeat at home at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. Having said that, Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill looked all set to give it a go in Week 1 of the regular season after missing the entire 2017 campaign with a knee injury. Against the Ravens, Tannehill passed for 115 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions in 11-of-16 completions. What did not look good for Miami in that game was the job of its offensive line that allowed five sacks for a loss of 43 yards. The Dolphins can’t have that kind of flimsy quarterback protection unit if it wants their quarterbacks to survive 17 weeks of regular season football. Tannehill may likely be rested though for the Falcons game, so expect David Fales and Brock Osweiler to continue this Thursday their battle for the No.2 QB job.
The over is 4-0 in Miami’s last four preseason games on the road.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (0-3 Preseason Record)
Atlanta felt the brunt of Jacksonville’s defense on Saturday, as the Falcons fell prey to the Jaguars, 17-6. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan admitted that Jacksonville had a “good defense,” but his team could expect a lighter defensive pressure on Thursday versus the Dolphins, who have allowed 26.6 points per game so far in the preseason. However, the Falcons’ offense hasn’t been impressive either in the preseason in which Atlanta has put up just 6.6 points over their last three games, which includes their Week 1 17-0 loss to the New York Jets on the road. It’s not much of surprise, though, considering that some of the team’s heavy hitter on offense like star wide receiver Julio Jones and running back Devonta Freeman are not playing at all.
The under is 4-0 in Atlanta’s last four preseason home games.
