As the Miami Dolphins head into their Monday Night Football matchup against the Tennessee Titans, uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation could make this the perfect opportunity to back the Titans before the spread shifts further away from supporting an 0-3 team.
Matchup Overview
Game Details
- Teams: Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins
- Date: Monday, September 29, 2024
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
Opening Odds
| Bet Type | Odds |
| Spread | Dolphins +1.5 / Titans -1.5 |
| Moneyline | Titans +100 / Dolphins -120 |
| Over/Under | Over 43.5 / Under 43.5 |
Titans vs. Dolphins Predictions
Analysis of the Quarterback Situation
The Dolphins are facing a significant challenge with their quarterback situation. Originally favored by 1.5 points, Miami's spread has flipped to +1.5 due to Tua Tagovailoa being on injured reserve and uncertainty surrounding QB2 Skylar Thompson, who left last week's game with a rib injury.
If Thompson is unable to play, Miami may rely on either third-stringer Tim Boyle or recently signed Tyler Huntley, formerly of the Ravens. Given Thompson's lackluster performance, the downgrade from him to Boyle or Huntley may not warrant a full 3-point adjustment, but it still poses concerns for Miami.
Offensive Line Issues
Compounding the quarterback woes, the Dolphins are dealing with injuries on their offensive line.
Standout tackle Terron Armstead is in concussion protocol, and guard Isaiah Wynn is already sidelined with a quad injury. This further weakens an offensive line that has struggled, ranking near the bottom in pass block win rate and allowing six sacks to the Seahawks last week.
Titans' Defensive Strength
The Titans’ defense has shown marked improvement under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, ranking 11th in EPA allowed per play.
Their aggressive style has led to them allowing just 4.7 yards per play, which ties for the sixth fewest in the league. This improvement could prove crucial against a compromised Dolphins offense.
Miami's Defensive Struggles
Miami’s defense is also plagued by injuries, ranking poorly in pressure rate and sitting 30th in EPA allowed per dropback. Although they benefit from an extra day of rest, their struggles will challenge their ability to contain Tennessee's offense.
Offensive Strategies and Weather Impact
Given the uncertainty at quarterback and the offensive line's deficiencies, expect Miami to lean heavily on their running backs, particularly Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. The Dolphins will likely utilize pre-snap motion to control the tempo, but their offense could still be slow and clock-consuming.
On the other side, the Titans also face challenges with their offense. Despite a roster full of potential playmakers, second-year QB Will Levis has struggled under pressure, hindering their offensive efficiency. Both teams rank near the bottom in pace of play, which could lead to a low-scoring affair.
Weather Considerations
The weather could further impact the game, with high humidity (around 80%) and a "feels like" temperature of 102 degrees, along with a 60% chance of thunderstorms. These conditions may sap energy and limit scoring opportunities.
With questions at quarterback and a weakened offensive line, the Dolphins face a tough matchup against the Titans. Expect the Titans to capitalize on Miami's struggles, making them an appealing pick as road favorites. The potential for a slow-paced, low-scoring game also makes the Under a consideration for bettors.