As the final preseason matchup approaches, the Miami Dolphins (2-0 preseason) are set to face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1 preseason). The Dolphins secured victories against the Falcons and the Commanders at home, while the Buccaneers triumphed in Cincinnati before experiencing a setback in Jacksonville. This exciting contest kicks off at 7:30 PM EST at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. Currently, Tampa Bay is favored by three points, with a total set at 38.5 for the game.
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Miami Dolphins Riding High
The Miami Dolphins have displayed strong performances throughout the preseason, winning both of their games. They opened with a 20-13 victory over Atlanta as 2.5-point underdogs and followed it up with a 13-6 win against the Commanders, covering the spread as 4.5-point favorites. Both games saw the total points fall below expectations. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his preseason debut in the second game, completing all five of his passes for 51 yards and a touchdown before being substituted.
After the game, Tagovailoa expressed, “It feels good any time you start to get back into a routine and get back into the games. Jitters will always be there going into the first series and first plays. Other than that, we executed the way we wanted to and did what we wanted to do.” While Tagovailoa is the clear starter, the competition for the backup role remains open. Mike White and Skylar Thompson are vying for that spot, with White completing 15 of 34 attempts for 142 yards and no touchdowns, while Thompson has recorded 16 completions on 34 attempts for 156 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
In the backfield, Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane saw action in the second game, but both struggled to make significant gains. Chris Brooks, who has the highest rushing yardage this preseason, is currently listed as questionable due to a concussion. Star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle have yet to take the field in the preseason, and their participation in this game is unlikely. Other receivers, such as Braxton Berrios and Erik Ezukanma, are expected to take on more responsibilities.
Buccaneers Preparing for Miami Showdown
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have experienced a mixed preseason, winning their opener against the Bengals 17-14 as 5.5-point underdogs but falling to the Jaguars 20-7 as 3.5-point dogs in their last outing. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has yet to play in any preseason games, but Head Coach Todd Bowles indicated that many starters might take the field against Miami.
Bowles did not clarify Mayfield’s status, leaving fans uncertain about whether he will participate, even in a limited capacity. In his absence, Kyle Trask and John Wolford have been competing for the backup role. Trask has been more productive, completing 24 of 39 passes for 252 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. Wolford has thrown 19 completions on 32 attempts without any touchdowns or interceptions, vying for a spot on the roster as the team eyes the possibility of keeping three quarterbacks.
If starters play, it will mark the preseason debut for key players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and projected starting running back Rachaad White. Regardless of who plays, the Buccaneers will rely on Sean Tucker, who has accumulated 100 rushing yards this preseason, and rookie Bucky Irving, who has added 54 yards through two games. In the previous game, Cody Thompson emerged as a standout receiver, finishing with 66 yards and a touchdown.
Best Bets for Dolphins vs. Buccaneers
This matchup marks the Miami Dolphins’ first road appearance of the preseason and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener. The Buccaneers have faced underdog status in their initial games but showed promise with their Cincinnati victory. Should the starting quarterbacks participate, their time will likely be brief to avoid any injuries. The outcome may hinge on the backup quarterbacks, with Kyle Trask being the most promising of the four remaining QBs. Having previously competed for the starting role, Trask believes he still has what it takes to be a starter in the league. The Miami quarterbacks have primarily served as backups, save for Mike White’s brief tenure with the Jets.
While coaches have mentioned that starters will play, there is still a strong possibility that key receivers like Hill, Waddle, Evans, and Godwin will be sidelined to prevent injuries. Even without their star players, Tampa Bay boasts a more formidable backfield, with Sean Tucker and Bucky Irving ready to make significant contributions. The Buccaneers seem poised to leverage their ground game to secure a victory in their only home preseason game.
