Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills prediction and betting tips (January 7)
In the final week of NFL action, the prime-time Sunday Night Football has become the stage for the Buffalo Bills to challenge the Miami Dolphins in a high-stakes encounter. With a season record of 10-6, including a 3-4 record on the road, the Bills enter this decisive clash boasting an impressive four-game winning streak, while Miami’s at 11-5 are looking to clinch their first division title in about sixteen years.
The Buffalo team stands at 10-6, on the brink of a playoff berth, yet a potential loss to Miami threatens their chances, dropping them to 10-7 and possibly out of contention. Securing victory would guarantee not only the AFC East title but also the coveted second seed behind Baltimore. Alternatively, they can clinch a playoff spot if the Steelers or the Jags falter in their respective matches. Meanwhile, Miami, with a strong track record this season, has clinched victories in five of their last seven games. However, they are determined not to stumble into the playoffs as a wild card entry. This game is one where both teams are in desperate need of a win, especially the Buffalo Bills, who might see themselves out of the playoffs with a loss.
The match is scheduled to start at 20:20 ET on Sunday, 7 January 2024. The game time by GMT is 01:20 a.m. GMT on Monday, January 8. The match venue is Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.
Betting tips and match predictions for the Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills (January 7) game are available in this article. The latest betting odds, key stats, team news, and projected starting lineups are previewed below.
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills latest odds on betting sites
The Miami Dolphins’ moneyline odds are priced at 2.30 (130 American), while the Buffalo Bills’ moneyline odds are priced at 1.68 (-146).
Over/Under:
Over 48.5 points: 1.95 (-105)
Under 48.5 points: 1.97 (-103)
Spread:
Miami Dolphins -3.0: 1.87 (-115)
Buffalo Bills +3.0: 1.96 (-104)
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins match preview and statistics
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins endured a harrowing defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens in their recent outing, effectively halting their promising two-game winning streak. The game turned out to be a one-sided affair as the Dolphins faltered dramatically, succumbing to a staggering 56-19 loss while playing away from home this past Sunday.
Their defensive unit, usually sturdy, encountered significant challenges, allowing a concerning total of eight touchdowns. Despite Tua Tagovailoa’s commendable effort of amassing 237 yards and securing two touchdowns, his performance was marred by two costly interceptions and enduring three sacks.
Miami’s running back, De’Von Archane, emerged as a standout figure, leading all rushers with an impressive 107 yards gained, an individual highlight within the team’s overall defeat.
In the aftermath of their disheartening loss to the Ravens, the Miami Dolphins now find themselves teetering on the edge, facing the looming possibility of sliding down from their coveted second seed in the AFC to a precarious sixth seed.
The Miami Dolphins team news: Wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and running backs De’Von Archane and Raheem Mostert are all listed as questionable for the game
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills continued their impressive streak with a commanding fourth consecutive victory, triumphing over the New England Patriots in a resounding win at their home turf on Sunday.
Cornerback Rasul Douglas, proved to be a game-changer as he showcased his prowess by intercepting two passes, one of which he swiftly returned for a touchdown, significantly bolstering the team’s success.
The formidable Buffalo defense displayed its dominance by not only intercepting a total of three passes from the New England offense but also managing to recover a crucial fumble. Setting the tempo early on, the Bills surged ahead in the first quarter, seizing a 10-7 lead courtesy of an impactful one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Allen, which set the tone for their unrelenting performance throughout the game.
While Josh Allen showcased his athleticism with two impressive touchdown runs, his passing game was comparatively subdued, tallying 169 yards and a single interception.
The Buffalo Bills team news: Safety Micah Hyde and defensive end Leonard Floyd are both listed as questionable for the game.
Dolphins vs Bills H2H
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills have faced off 120 times against each other, both in the regular season and playoffs. The Miami Dolphins slightly have the upper hand having won 62 games, while the Buffalo Bills have accrued 57 wins. On of the encounters between them ended in a tie.
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins key players
Josh Allen: Josh Allen’s irreplaceable value to the Buffalo Bills transcends his impressive stats of 3,947 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 16 interceptions, 457 rushing yards, and an astounding 15 rushing touchdowns. Beyond numbers, Allen’s dual-threat prowess as a passer and rusher adds an unparalleled dimension to the Bills’ offense.
Tua Tagovailoa Tua Tagovailoa undeniably stands as the linchpin for the Miami Dolphins, exemplified by his stellar season performance. Completing an impressive 69.6% of his passes for a staggering 4,451 yards and 28 touchdowns. Equally crucial is his balance between making aggressive plays and minimizing mistakes, evident in his 12 interceptions.
Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills predictions
The Bills have faced the Dolphins four times recently and lost three of those matchups when considering the point spread. Meanwhile, as the season nears its end, the Dolphins have been performing well at home, clinching victories in their last two games both in terms of straight wins and against the point spread.
When playing at home, Miami’s defense has shown a marked improvement, allowing only 16.9 points per game compared to 29.4 points per game when on the road this season. On the other hand, Buffalo tends to score approximately five points less on average when playing away compared to their home games. Miami should hold out at home here and cover the spread as underdogs.
Predictions for the game are the Miami Dolphins to cover the spread and under 48.5 points.
Betting prediction: Miami Dolphins +3.0
Odds: 1.87 (-115 American)
Betting prediction: Under 48.5 points
Odds: 1.97 (-103 American)