The Dolphins have been on the outside looking in as a true contender in the AFC over the past two seasons.
Miami has the most explosive offense in the NFL when it's clicking, but it hasn't been able to break through in the playoffs. Two years ago, Tua Tagovailoa was out injured when the Dolphins' season ended in Buffalo, and the Chiefs beat them in record-setting cold conditions last season.
Miami faces new challenges this year as it looks to take the next step.
Here's what you need to know about the Fins entering the new season.
2024 Dolphins Odds
Odds via FanDuel and as of Aug. 11.
| Market | Odds |
|---|---|
| Super Bowl | +2400 |
| AFC Champion | +1200 |
| AFC East | +220 |
| Make/Miss Playoffs | -142 / +116 |
| Win Total | 9.5 (-122 / +100) |
2023 Dolphins Betting Records
- 10-8 against the spread (+5.8% ROI)
- 9-9 to the over (-4.2% ROI)
Past Dolphins Win Totals
| Season | Win Total | No. of Wins |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9 | 9 |
| 2022 | 9 | 9 |
| 2023 | 9.5 | 11 |
Important Dolphins Betting Stats
Tagovailoa has been a positive for bettors in his career, with an ATS mark of 29-22-1. Backups Mike White (3-4) and Skylar Thompson (1-2) have been predictably less impressive.
Through his first two seasons as an NFL head coach, Mike McDaniel is 19-17 against the spread. That record is slightly better when Tagovailoa is under center.
Dolphins Face Significant Question Marks on O-Line
We know what we’re going to get from the Miami Dolphins – as long as their quarterback is healthy. Miami has an offense that is the NFL’s most explosive when it’s thriving, but it’s still yet to find a key win in January to establish itself as a contender.
Miami has star power on both sides of the ball and one of the best offensive minds as its head coach. There are noteworthy concerns, though.
Two years ago, many wondered whether Tua Tagovailoa’s career was going to be over after multiple concussions. Then, last season, he stayed healthy and played well before the Dolphins’ season was ended in weak fashion by the Chiefs.
Now, protecting Tagovailoa will be the Dolphins offense’s main concern. Guard Robert Hunt and center Connor Williams left through free agency, paving the way for James Brewer and Robert Jones to step up.
The good news for Dolphins fans is that Tagovailoa stayed healthy last season and the team made the playoffs. The bad news is that his protection just got worse.
Also, how the offensive line holds up will affect just how good the running game can be.
The reliable Raheem Mostert is back, but all eyes will be on De'Von Achane. The second-year running back has high expectations but, like Tagovailoa, needs to stay healthy. Achane had some record-setting performances last season but missed six games.
Also, the Dolphins’ last two playoff runs have ended in Buffalo and Kansas City, the former of which saw Tagovailoa out and Thompson filling in. How the offensive line holds up in cold weather will ultimately dictate just how far Miami can go in January.
Terron Armstead has also only played 23 games over his first two seasons with the Dolphins, and he has never played more than 15 games in a season. In his 11-year career, he’s played at least 14 games just three times.
Miami will need its highly paid tackle to stay on the field amidst all of the uncertainty on the rest of the offensive line.
Miami Dolphins Betting Outlook
It'll be hugely important to monitor how Brewer and Jones hold up in training camp ahead of the regular season. We may have to downgrade Miami if confidence is low in the pair.
If the offensive line struggles, the Dolphins may be inconsistent throughout the season, despite the high-powered offense.
2024 Dolphins Schedule Info
According to Action Network’s Sean Koerner, the Dolphins are tied with the Broncos with the 11th-hardest schedule in the NFL this season.
Miami has to face the Bills and Jets twice, as well as road games against the Rams, Packers, Texans and Browns. The Dolphins also will host San Francisco in Week 16.
Miami's Week 1 Odds & Matchup
The Dolphins open the 2024 regular season with an intrastate matchup against the Jaguars.
Miami is at home and laying 3.5 points to Jacksonville. The game total is 49.5, which is the second-highest of the week behind Rams–Lions, which will be the Sunday Night Football matchup.
