Sunday Night Football Predictions: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

by Mike Allen - 1/4/2024

Welcome to the wacky world of Week 18 in the NFL. Nearly every game on the schedule this week has its own unique set of circumstances. I am speaking, of course, about the potential playoff berth/draft position implications for each particular team.

For the final Sunday Night Football game of the year, the Buffalo Bills will travel to Miami, Florida, to play the division rival Dolphins.

The situation for the Buffalo Bills is a very interesting one. If they beat Miami, they win the AFC East and clinch the #2 seed in the playoffs. Not bad. They also have the potential to miss the postseason entirely.

That's wild! If both the Steelers and Colts win, the Bills could be playing for their postseason lives.

For the Dolphins, they are already in the playoffs. However, remember that the Bills smashed them early in the season. That means a win by Buffalo would create a tie, only for it to be instantaneously broken in favor of the Billa Mafia.

Mike McDaniel's postgame speech after their recent 56-19 drubbing from the Baltimore Ravens was perfect, in my opinion. He kept it short and sweet and didn't beat them up over it or dwell on it. He immediately told them to be thankful that they still have an opportunity to play for their division crown, which is never a bad idea.

He made it clear that they are coming to win and win at all costs. He knows he has a fair-weather team. And even if it's just one game, he wants to host as many playoff matchups as possible.

So, Miami is coming to play no matter what, and I imagine the same from the Buffalo Bills. Miami's motivation is what it is, but the motivation for Buffalo can only grow. This game is for the division.

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Bills vs Dolphins Betting Odds

Point Spread

Buffalo: -3

Miami: +3

This one opened up with the Miami Dolphins as a 1.5-point betting favorite. Money has, of course, come in on the Bills. The sweet spot was probably Buffalo at (-2.5), but the big money made sure we little guys had to play on the key number of 3.

Moneyline

Buffalo: -160

Miami: +135

Point Total

Over 49.5: -110

Under 49.5: -110

Bills vs Dolphins Betting Analysis

These two teams played each other back in the early part of the season, and the Buffalo Bills let the Dolphins know that you need to be a complete team in order to win big games in this league.

From what we have seen since, it’s been more of the same for Miami. Going back to the beginning of the year, they have played just 5 teams who currently have winning records. They are 1-4, with the 2-point win over the Cowboys, and have been outscored in the 4 losses by an average of 21 points!

Their game against the Cowboys truly was the "Bully Bowl" I guess the bigger bully won. It isn't a good look for the Dolphins heading into the playoffs. They are banged up, too. I just can't imagine they will let their last competitive game of the year be one they lost 56-19.

They lost 48-20 to the Bills this year, too. It is hard to bet on Miami against a good team. They shouldn’t have even beaten the Dallas Cowboys.

What people need to remember is that a home game in January for the Dolphins against a cold-weather team isn't nearly as much of an advantage as the Bills would have if they were hosting Miami this week.

This is just going to feel nice for both squads, and the Dolphins don't have much of a home-crowd presence. This one could get ugly just like the last time these two met.

Bills vs Dolphins Betting Prediction

The Dolphins are loaded with injuries as well, particularly on defense. I see them limping into the postseason and exiting soon after. I like the Buffalo Bills here, and the moneyline isn't that expensive at (-160).

Prediction: Buffalo Moneyline (-160)

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Start:	November 21, 2024 @ 8:15 PM
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Sunday Night Football Predictions: Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins

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