Dolphins vs Steelers 2019 NFL Week 8 Odds & Betting Preview

The Miami Dolphins head to Heinz Field for Monday Night Football in search of their first win of the season. Their first four losses were all routs, by a combined 137 points, but then after the bye week their last two losses have been by a combined 11 points, losing at home to Washington by a point and then in Buffalo by ten. They visit a Pittsburgh Steelers team that started 0-3 but has gone 2-1 since then despite not having Ben Roethlisberger at the helm. They beat the Chargers last week by seven despite having third-stringer Devlin Hodges running the offense. Backup Mason Rudolph returns this week and will take the helm of the offense. Can Rudolph and the Steelers keep the Dolphins winless? Or will Miami get the upset and the win? We have some NFL betting thoughts on this AFC matchup in the preview below.

Dolphins vs Steelers 2019 NFL Week 8 Odds & Betting Preview

The guys are looking forward to Monday Night 🏈#FinsUp x #SoundBites pic.twitter.com/dUPBRFK3Au

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) October 27, 2019

When: Monday, October 28, 2019, 8:15 pm ET Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh TV: ESPN Radio: Westwood One Live Stream: ESPN+ NFL Week 9 Odds: Pittsburgh -14.5 / O/U 43

Why should you bet on the Dolphins?

Ryan Fitzpatrick is now the starting quarterback in Miami, but “Fitzmagic” failed to deliver the win against Buffalo. He threw for 282 yards and a touchdown — but also a pick. Preston Williams was his favorite target in Buffalo, catching six balls for 82 yards. Despite the fact that Miami jumped out to an early lead, the Dolphins’ defense could not stop Buffalo from mounting a comeback, putting up 31 points and 30 5yards of offense, wasting six tackles and a tackle for loss from linebacker Raekwon McMillian. Taco Charlton got his third sack of the season, but all of those efforts could not keep the Bills from delivering the win. Miami is easily the worst team in the league this year — but remember, you’re picking against the spread, not straight up. Can the Steelers beat the Dolphins by more than two touchdowns at home? Remember that Buffalo only beat them by ten at home — and Buffalo’s defense is arguably better than Pittsburgh’s. If Fitzpatrick can get the ball moving, Miami should be able to keep things closer than this wide point spread — especially if Rudolph struggles in his first game coming back from a brutal concussion.

Why should you put your money on the Steelers?

So far in 2019, Mason Rudolph has a passer rating of 102.5, with a 67 percent completion rate, seven touchdown passes and two picks, with 646 passing yards. So once he gets established, his numbers are more than serviceable. The offensive line needs to do a better job of protecting him than they have, but if he has time in the pocket, he will be able to pick apart the Miami defense. Tailback James Conner contributed a touchdown on the ground as well as a receiving touchdown. Defense was strong for the Steelers last week. Pittsburgh forced three turnovers by the Chargers, although one came on a bizarre decision by Philip Rivers to throw a lateral despite the fact that his target was not looking. Linebacker Devin Bush had a terrific game, leading the team with seven tackles and also chipping in an interception and a fumble recovery. Cornerback Cameron Sutton defended three passes and swiped an interception of his own. If you like Pittsburgh to cover here, you see them smothering the Miami offense despite the arrival of Fitzpatrick.

Final Score Prediction

It’s hard to like Miami to win straight up at all this season, but this is an immense point spread. Given that the Steelers only beat the Chargers by seven, and given that the Dolphins were able to stay within ten points of a better Buffalo defense, I see the Dolphins covering here. I predict a final score of Pittsburgh 27, Miami 20.