The Green Bay Packers head to Miami to take on the Dolphins in a must-win situation for both teams. The Packers basically need to win out to have a shot at a wild card, and while the Dolphins have some more room for error, an 8-3 start has turned into an 8-6 record after losses on the road to San Francisco, the Chargers and Buffalo – the last two by a combined nine points. Aaron Rodgers was brimming with confidence after the Pack doubled up the Rams on Monday night, 24-12, but we will see how things go down in South Beach. Check out our sports betting preview ahead of the weekend’s NFL< action.
NFL Preview: Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins (Sunday, December 25)
When: Sunday, December 25, 2022, 1:00 pm ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV: FOX
Radio: ESPN Radio
Live Stream: Sling TV
NFL Odds: Miami -3.5 / O/U 49 // Miami -190 / Green Bay +158
Why should you bet on the Packers?
Wins over Chicago and the Rams have given the Packers a two-game winning streak, and even though those teams are not going to make the postseason, victories bring confidence. The Packers are just 2-5 on the road this season, and going to Miami means a road game against a potential postseason contender. The injury report is daunting, as Aaron Jones (knee) is questionable. A.J. Dillon went into the concussion protocol on Monday night, so even if he is clear, he may not be at 100%. Aaron Rodgers (thumb) is listed as probable, and it’s hard to imagine Rodgers letting the team keep him off the field if he can put on his helmet. The O-line also has some injuries, which could make it tough to protect Rodgers and open up holes for the running game.
Green Bay’s defense does give the team optimism as well. Miami has a terrific passing game, as Tua Tagovailoa has two elite wide receivers in Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, and tight end Mike Gesicki is an underrated presence over the middle. The Packers struggle to stop the run, but Miami doesn’t have much of a running game, so this is a defensive matchup that favors Green Bay. Quay Walker has been an outstanding middle linebacker with 105 tackles, and Jaire Alexander leads the team with four interceptions.
Why should you put your money on the Dolphins?
It wasn’t that long ago that Miami led the AFC East, by virtue of their home win over Buffalo, but now they are clinging to the hope of a wild card. A three-game road trip has proven to be even more grueling than many anticipated, but this week they return to Hard Rock Stadium, where they are 5-1 this season. Their primary injury is Jeff Wilson Jr (hip), who is questionable; without him, the Dolphins’ running game will be even slower than usual. On defense, edge rusher Emmanuel Ogbah (tricep) will be out, along with safety Byron Jones (ankle).
The good news for Miami is the talent advantage they have on offense. Obviously, Aaron Rodgers has a lot more skins on the wall than Tua Tagovailoa, but Tagovailoa has managed to put up video-game numbers in multiple games this season. The Dolphins are third in passing offense and fifth in scoring, and if they can get the ball to their top wideouts, they will win.
Final Score and Prediction
Having to keep up with the Miami offense will be frustrating for the Packers, who won’t have the cold-weather advantage of playing at Lambeau Field this week. The confidence of playing at home and the relatively mild weather conditions will play to the Dolphins’ advantage, and I predict a 30-23 Miami win.
NFL Betting Odds
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