Betting Odds, Picks and Predictions for Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins
As the NFL season progresses, Week 8 presents an exciting match-up between the Arizona Cardinals and the Miami Dolphins. The clash will take place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where we anticipate the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has been nursing a concussion and was recently activated from injured reserve. This adds an intriguing twist to the game, as the Dolphins look to capitalize on their home-field advantage against an Arizona team that is traveling cross-country on a short week. Let’s dive into the betting odds, predictions, and key factors for this matchup.
Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins Betting Odds for Week 8
Current Betting Lines:
- Moneyline: Cardinals +180 (BetMGM) / Dolphins -196 (FanDuel Sportsbook)
- Point Spread: Cardinals +4.5 (BetRivers Sportsbook) / Dolphins -4 (ESPN BET)
- Totals: Under 46.5 points (FanDuel) / Over 46.0 points (BetMGM)
The Dolphins entered this week as favorites, a trend that has intensified following news of Tagovailoa’s expected return. While he is still listed as questionable, the optimism surrounding his participation has prompted a shift in the betting lines. The point spread has climbed throughout the week as fans and bettors alike anticipate how Tagovailoa’s presence could bolster Miami’s performance.
Interestingly, the total for the game has fluctuated, starting at 47.5 and dropping to around 45.5 before stabilizing slightly higher as more information about Tua’s recovery surfaced. Despite the excitement about the Dolphins’ offense, the Cardinals’ fatigue from a hard-fought Monday night game may lower expectations for a high-scoring affair.
Arizona Cardinals @ Miami Dolphins Betting Picks This Week
The 2023 season has been a mixed bag for the Arizona Cardinals, who have exhibited a pattern of inconsistency. Recent weeks have included a puzzling combination of poor losses, including a 28-point defeat to the Washington Commanders, interspersed with unexpected victories over stronger opponents like the San Francisco 49ers.
Given Arizona’s recent performances, it is reasonable to view their prospects dimly for the matchup against Miami. The combination of playing on a short week after an exhausting defensive battle against the Chargers, along with a significant time zone change, poses a challenge for the Cardinals.
On the other hand, the Dolphins’ presumed rejuvenation with Tua’s return could provide much-needed stability to their offense, significantly benefiting stars such as Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami’s balanced attack, featuring an effective ground game, will likely force Arizona’s defense to respect the passing options, thus aiding the Dolphins’ rushing efforts.
Moreover, while Tua might be dealing with a bit of rust after missing games, Miami’s depth at the quarterback position combined with solid practice performances in recent days should enable an efficient offense. The Cardinals surrender an alarming 154.0 rushing yards per game on the road, intensifying Miami’s opportunity to exploit this weakness.
Cardinal at Dolphins Best Bets
- Dolphins -4.5 (-108 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
- Same Game Parlay (SGP): Dolphins moneyline and Under 46.5 points (+173 on FanDuel Sportsbook)
Given the Cardinals’ fatigue and the Dolphins’ home-field advantage bolstered by Tua’s return, laying the points on Miami appears to be a sensible choice. The expected score margin, combined with the state of both teams, leads to a prediction of a closer contest than the spread might indicate.
Cardinals @ Dolphins Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Dolphins 24, Cardinals 17
In summary, while Tagovailoa’s impending return has many betting enthusiasts excited about a potent Dolphins’ offense, it will be interesting to see how the Cardinals cope. A wary Arizona team dealing with fatigue may struggle against a weary Dolphins unit that is eager to capitalize on the opportunity to gain traction in the standings. A focused Miami squad should maintain control and finish the game with a narrow-margin win.
As always, it’s essential to stay updated on final injury reports and player performances leading up to the game, especially considering the volatility of the NFL and how quickly situations can change. Enjoy the game, and may your bets be ever in your favor!
1
20
20
