The Detroit Lions (5-2) and Miami Dolphins (1-6) square off Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Lions at Dolphins odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
QB Jared Goff threw a go-ahead, 7-yard TD pass to WR Jameson Williams with 4:35 left to lift the host Lions to a hard-fought 19-15 victory over the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday. Overall, Goff had a tough game against the top-ranked pass defense in the NFL, completing 18 of 25 passes for 176 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT and was sacked 4 times. The Lions ground attack found more success, compiling 230 yards, led by RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who ran for 153 yards and 1 TD on 23 carries.
The Lions controlled the ball for more than 35 minutes and held the Vikings to 266 yards (185 passing, 81 rushing).
After carrying a 13-3 lead into halftime, the Dolphins broke down in the second half, falling to the visiting New England Patriots 24-19 in a steady rain last Sunday. Dolphins QB Malik Willis completed 21 of 32 passes for 211 with 2 TDs, but was sacked 5 times and also threw an INT early in the fourth quarter that the Patriots turned into a TD two plays later. RB Ollie Gordon II had his worst game since replacing injured RB De'Von Achane in the starting lineup, rushing for 69 yards on 19 carries and was held out of the end zone for the first time in 4 games. Patriots QB Drake Maye completed 16 of 20 passes for 199 yards and 2 TDs and also ran for a score. Led by RB Rhamondre Stevenson (19 carries, 82 yards), the Patriots ran for 131 yards.
The Dolphins lead the all-time series vs. the Lions 8-5. The teams haven't played since Oct. 30, 2022, with the Dolphins winning at Detroit 31-27.
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Lions at Dolphins odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:50 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lions -295 (bet $295 to win $100) | Dolphins +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lions -6.5 (-108) | Dolphins +6.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 50 (O: -108 | U: -110)
Lions at Dolphins key injuries
LIONS
- LB Jack Campbell (neck) out
- S Kerby Joseph (knee) out
- C Cade Mays (ankle) out
- CB DJ Reed (hip) out
- RB Jacob Saylors (neck) questionable
- WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (rib) questionable
- RB Sione Vaki (ankle) questionable
- EDGE DJ Wonnum (concussion) out
DOLPHINS
- RB Kaytron Allen (quad) questionable
- EDGE Malik Herring (neck) questionable
- RB Jaylen Wright (quad) questionable
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Lions at Dolphins picks and predictions
Prediction
Lions 38, Dolphins 17
Moneyline
PASS.
The Dolphins have faced a gauntlet to open the season and they've fought hard. Five of their losses have come against teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The Lions are another team pacing to make the playoffs and own the NFL's top-ranked offense (395.4 yards per game).
But injuries could open the door for a Dolphins upset. The loss of LB Jack Campbell to a neck injury hurts an already porous Lions defense. And St. Brown's status is worth monitoring as well. The Dolphins certainly wouldn't cry any tears if the Lions' top receiver missed the game, though they'd still have their hands full with Goff, Gibbs, Williams and TE Sam LaPorta.
Against the spread
BET LIONS -6.5 (-108).
While the last 3 Dolphins losses have been by 7 points or less, 2 were backdoor covers, with the Dolphins scoring late to make the scores vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and Patriots appear more respectable.
The Dolphins defense has played admirably, ranking middle of the pack in total defense (334.1 YPG), but they rank in bottom half in points allowed (25.9 PPG).
The Lions defense hasn't been much better, allowing 25.7 PPG, though they've been better of late, giving up 17.6 PPG over their last 3. They've been torched through the air, allowing 276.6 YPG, but the they have a top 10 rush defense, holding teams to 96.6 YPG. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, this doesn't exactly work in their favor, with their passing attack ranking 30th (166.7 YPG).
Over/Under
BET OVER 50 (-108).
While this total seems high, between their high-octane offense and defensive woes, 5 of 7 Lions games have soared over this number. On the other hand, only 2 Dolphins have gone over this number. Even if St. Brown misses the game, the Lions should have their way against the Dolphins and Miami should have enough success against this Detroit defense to push this Over.
Best prop bet
BET LIONS TE SAM LAPORTA ANYTIME TD (+190)
The Dolphins have given up 6 TDs to tight ends this season, tied for 4th worst in the league. On a side note, the Lions have given up 11 TDs to tight ends. The problem is that the Dolphins don't have a tight end worth trusting as no Miami tight end has scored a TD this season.
Betting odds calculator
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Detroit Lions at Miami Dolphins odds, picks and predictions
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