Dolphins games have been hard to watch this season. Since Week 2, Miami has scored 10 points per game with a 1-4 record.
Coach Mike McDaniel announced QB Tua Tagovailoa is back in the lineup, so there’s finally a reason to tune back in.
The Cardinals enter Week 8 fresh off a gritty prime-time victory over the Chargers. Arizona and Miami are on the outside looking in at the postseason, and a win Sunday could spark a climb up the standings.
Continue reading to see my expert picks and predictions for Cardinals versus Dolphins.
Cardinals vs. Dolphins predictions and best bets
- Dolphins -4.5: -105 odds at bet365
- First half under 22.5: -102 odds at DraftKings
Miami is an abysmal 1-5 against the spread, per TeamRankings. With Tua returning, I predict the trend to flip Sunday afternoon.
However, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ offense may not race out to a hot start because Tua hasn’t played in over a month. It’s hard to imagine he’ll be his normal self early in the game, so I’m betting on the first half under.
Miami’s outstanding WR corps has been quiet with Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle under center. The trio has only thrown one touchdown.
Nobody is happier to have Tagovailoa back than WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Hill and Waddle have combined for 65 yards per game since Week 2. The pair had 239 yards and two touchdowns in Tua’s only full game.
The Cardinals’ defense has been porous, allowing 25 points and 237 passing yards per week. It’s a tough spot for Arizona to travel across the country and start the game at 1 p.m. EDT.
Cardinals vs. Dolphins moneyline odds analysis
Why the Dolphins could win as the favorite
Best odds: -205 at DraftKings
Despite a lack of offensive production, Miami’s defense has been solid. The Dolphins have given up 16 points or less in consecutive weeks, and lead the league in passing yards surrendered.
Miami needs to be ready to stop the run. Arizona gains the third-most rushing yards per game and loves to pound the rock with RB James Conner and QB Kyler Murray.
If it’s a high-scoring game, the Dolphins’ offense will be up to the task. In addition to Hill and Waddle, Miami has a stellar RB trio with De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert.
Why the Cardinals could win as the underdog
Best odds: +180 at BetMGM
Facing the fully loaded Dolphins’ offense is a scary proposition. It gets worse for the Cardinals when you see Arizona ranks bottom seven in the NFL against the pass and rush.
The over/under is in the high 40s, so oddsmakers expect scoring. If Tua starts connecting with Hill and Waddle, the Cardinals’ offense must be prepared to answer the bell.
Murray gaining yards on the ground would be a massive boost. He’s had 60+ rushing yards and a touchdown in two of the last three games.
At some point, Arizona needs to find a way to create plays for WR Marvin Harrison Jr. The first WR selected in the 2024 NFL Draft has been held to less than 65 yards in all but one game.
Luckily, Trey McBride has become a reliable option for Murray. McBride ranks fourth in TE receiving yards.
