:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68581888/1291139997.0.jpg)
The NFL closes out its Saturday tripleheader with the Las Vegas Raiders hosting the Miami Dolphins. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET and the game airs on NFL Network.
The Dolphins enter the game with a 9-5 record. They hold the tiebreaker edge over Baltimore and just need to keep winning these final two weeks. Miami will be without guard Solomon Kindley and defensive end Shaq Lawson. The expect to get back Mike Gesicki, Jakeem Grant, and DeVante Parker.
Meanwhile, the Raiders are 7-7 and will be eliminated from playoff contention with a loss or a Ravens win. Las Vegas will be without defensive end Clelin Ferrell while defensive tackle Maurice Hurst is questionable. Quarterback Derek Carr is expected back from his groin injury.
With all that being said, where are the bettors placing their money as we get closer to game time? Let’s check it out below! All the odds and info were provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
Point Spread
The Dolphins opened as 2.5-point favorites and the line has climbed to a full field goal as of Saturday morning. The betting public is backing chalk in this one, with 79 percent of handle and 83 percent of bets on favored Miami.
Is the public right? I wonder if I’d be more comfortable betting the Raiders if Marcus Mariota was getting the start again? This Raiders team is woefully inconsistent and it’s hard to back them. And yet, I think they give the Dolphins some fits. Las Vegas could easily end up getting blown out, but I think they end up keeping this moderately interesting.
Over/Under
The point total opened at 48 and has settled there on game day. The public is betting the over, with 80 percent of handle and 69 percent of bets.
Is the public right? Turnovers could be the difference-maker here if the Raiders are going to keep it close. The Dolphins are getting significant weapons back in Parker, Grant, and Gesicki. I think the Raiders defense will have to put up a better than average showing for them to have a chance, so I’d lean under in this.
Moneyline
The Dolphins opened at -148, while the Raiders opened at +120. As of game day morning, the Dolphins have moved to -152 and the Raiders are now at +133. The public likes the Dolphins, with 66 percent of handle and 63 percent of bets.
Is the public right? I’d be more comfortable just sitting on the field goal and hoping for the best, but I could see the Raiders springing the outright upset. It’s enough of a chance that I would find a little more value in it than just taking the points.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.