NFL preseason preview: Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
August 15th, 2019
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | O/U |
|---|
Miami Dolphins | +3.5 (+100) | +170 | O 43.5 (+100) |
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | -3.5 (-110) | -190 | O 43.5 (-110) |
Fitzpatrick and Rosen in a spirited QB battle
When it comes to looking for good preseason bets, I like to look for positional battles, and the Miami Dolphins have an important battle at quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick has the edge over Josh Rosen, but they will both get a great opportunity to win the spot against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.The coaching staff will want to see both quarterbacks playing with many of the first-team guys around them. You may see many of the first team on offense play through the first half, which is rare at this point in the preseason.
"There may be an opportunity, where (Rosen) plays with some of those guys who we call first-teamers," Dolphins head coach Brian Flores said at the beginning of the week.
Here is a portion of Brian Flores discussing why he wants improvement from Josh Rosen in terms of body language/communication. Rosen has flashed his talent a good bit over last couple of weeks, but Flores has consistently indicated intangibles play a big role in who his QB1 is. pic.twitter.com/5XFyOciVy2
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 13, 2019
Rosen played half the game last week against the Atlanta Falcons, and even though he did not throw a touchdown pass, he did lead two touchdown drives and a field-goal drive. The team scored 34 points and took home a win, even though it lost the turnover battle 0-2 and lost the time-of-possession tally.
Kalen Ballage will be given chance to shine
The Dolphins will be without Kenyan Drake, but this will only provide a bigger workload for Kalen Ballage. The second-year running back was already working to get some first-team playing time, so now he will get a great opportunity to show out and play possibly a whole half as a lead back.Winston has been steady, but Gabbert should get majority of snaps
On the other side, the Buccaneers do not have a quarterback battle. Even though Jameis Winston hit the bench last year, he does not have a veteran like Fitzpatrick as his backup this year. Winston looked good last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with a 5-for-6 performance for 40 yards and a touchdown his one drive. However, I do not expect him to play more than a quarter in this one before you see Blaine Gabbert. Last week Gabbert only led the team to three points in his four drives.Jameis Winston is moving 🔥 @Jaboowins #TBvsPIT
— NFL (@NFL) August 9, 2019
📺: @nflnetwork
Watch on the NFL app: https://t.co/PUjPEgbtkN pic.twitter.com/Uk44nVA5eN
I love the Dolphins at +3.5, as you get the hook in case they lose late on a field goal. I like the moneyline as well, as I believe they can take a lead into the fourth quarter. The total is quite high for a preseason game, but both teams scored 61 and 58, respectively, in last week's games. I suggest taking the over.
Pick: Dolphins and Over
Josh Allen versus Cam Newton would be a great match-up, but this is the preseason. The backups on these teams are less than stellar. Take the under.
Pick: Under
Two words: Daniel Jones. Let us see if he can stay perfect (158.3 QB rating last week).
Pick: Giants
Pick: Dolphins and Over
Buffalo Bills (+140) at Carolina Panthers (-155), 7 p.m. ET
Spread: Panthers -3 O/U: 40.5Josh Allen versus Cam Newton would be a great match-up, but this is the preseason. The backups on these teams are less than stellar. Take the under.
Pick: Under
Chicago Bears (+110) at New York Giants (-125), 7:30 p.m. ET
Spread: Giants -1.5 O/U: 42.5Two words: Daniel Jones. Let us see if he can stay perfect (158.3 QB rating last week).
Pick: Giants
You can find all of this week's NFL preseason action at BetAmerica!
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