Clinging to the final playoff spot in the AFC, the Miami Dolphins head to Las Vegas to take on the Raiders in a matchup full of playoff implications. The Raiders (7-7 SU, 7-7 ATS) are one of only two teams on the outside of the playoffs looking in that are still alive and they have their sights set on that final playoff spot held by the Dolphins (9-5 SU, 11-3 ATS).
- Date/Time: December 26, 8:15 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Allegiant Stadium
- TV Coverage: NFL Network
- Sportsbook Odds: Raiders -1.5 | O/U 46.5 (Line History)
- Dolphins vs Raiders Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The game opened with the Raiders as favorites at -1.5 but the line has shifted in favor of the Dolphins, who are now favorites at -2.5 across the board. The total opened at 46.5 and has moved up slightly to 47 and 48 depending on the sportsbook.
Miami News & Notes
The Dolphins defense has been the story of their season. The Dolphins have allowed the second-fewest points in the NFL and lead the league with 26 forced turnovers. Star cornerback Xavien Howard is starting to garner Defensive Player of the Year buzz as the young playmaker now tops the league with nine interceptions.
The numbers are underwhelming, but Tua Tagovailoa now sports a 5-2 record as a starter with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions. The rookie quarterback has not exactly been putting the team on his back, but he is playing competent, safe football that gives his team a chance to win every week.
Tagovailoa has not had a full complement of weapons at his disposal (which could be contributing to the mediocre numbers) and that could continue this weekend as DeVante Parker, Mike Gesicki and Jakeem Grant are all questionable for Week 16.
Las Vegas News & Notes
The Las Vegas Raiders have certainly had an up-and-down season, at times looking great and at other times looking like a bottom-five team in the league. The defense has certainly been bottom five as only three teams have allowed more points than the Raiders. Only five teams have created fewer turnovers and only four teams are allowing more yards on a per play basis.
The Raiders have been much better on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Derek Carr is having one of the best statistical years of his career and now ranks ninth in completion percentage, ninth in quarterback rating and 10th in QBR. The problem is Carr was hurt in Vegas’ Week 15 loss to the Chargers and is questionable for this game.
If Carr is unable to play, veteran Marcus Mariota would get the start. Mariota was 17-for-28 for 226 yards with a touchdown and an interception in Week 15, adding 88 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Betting Pick: Dolphins -2.5
The Dolphins are the better team, have a far better defense and should not have trouble scoring on the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Raiders could be without their starting quarterback.
- The Raiders are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games.
- The Dolphins are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on the West Coast.
- The Raiders are 2-7 SU in their last 9 games at home.
