Expert Top Pick of the Day: Miami Dolphins vs New Orleans Saints
This game will reveal more about the Miami Dolphins. They have won six consecutive games, but almost all of them were against poor teams. The Dolphins will be displaying their true colors Monday night on the road with higher expectations.
The New Orleans Saints just won a shutout over the Bucs; however, that was before their two leading QBs – and now others – were diagnosed with COVID-19.
The Fins have been impressive on the road. They were initially heading into this game as underdogs, but that has changed.
It’s difficult to give up a field goal with one of the hottest teams in the league. If the Dolphins can continue to run the ball as they did last week, this game will be theirs.
Miami Dolphins vs New Orleans Saints Schedule
- Date: Monday, December 27
- Time: 8:20 PM ET
- Location: Caesar’s Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Miami Dolphins Gain Ground
The Miami Dolphins lost three of their four most recent road games. Tua Tagovailoa has completed 69.9% of his passes for 2,141 yards, 14 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Jaylen Waddle and Mike Gesicki combined have 1,534 receiving yards and six touchdowns. DeVante Parker has 34 catches on the year. The Miami Dolphins ground game averages 86.6 yards a game.
Myles Gaskin leads the pack with 580 yards, three touchdowns, and 580 yards. Miami’s defense is allowing 22.3 yards and 349.1 yards per match. Jerome Baker leads Miami Dolphins with 73 tackles.
Jaelan Philips has 8.5 sacks, and Xavien Huld has four interceptions. Against a Saints team that is a little out of sorts, that can make a big difference.
New Orleans Saints Slip and Slide
The Saints lost three consecutive home games. After Taysom Hill’s and Trevor Siemian’s removals due to COVID-19, Ian Book will start as quarterback. Seemingly as an indication of how desperate the Saints are, they tried to convince Drew Brees to return in light of the situation. It didn’t work.
Marquez-Calaway and Deonte Hill have combined for 1,078 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Alvin Kamara’s total of 38 receptions is also impressive. The New Orleans Saints ground ball averages 117.1 yards per contest. Kamara leads this group with 668 yards and four TDs.
A number of Saints players have been added to the COVID-19 reserve list. Right tackle Ryan Ramzcyk tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
Demario Davis is now with him. After he tested positive for COVID-19, backup running back Dwayne Washington has also been ruled out due to COVID-19 protocols.
Miami Dolphins vs New Orleans Saints Odds Comparison
The Dolphins are 5-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last seven games overall and 2-5 straight up in their last seven against the Saints. The under is 5-2 in the Fins’ last seven games overall. The under is 4-0 in the Saints’ last four games overall.
- DraftKings has the Dolphins winning at -170 on a spread of -3.5, and the game total is 37.5.
- FanDuel has the Dolphins winning at -164 on a spread of -3, and the total is 37.
- BetMGM has the Dolphins winning at -167 on a spread of -3, and the total is 37.
Godds Pick or Prediction of the Game
The Saints replacement QB will struggle to keep up with the Dolphins’ defense, which has been one of the best in the league the last month. The Dolphins are very defensive, and Book is going to have difficulty keeping up.
Despite having their share of problems this season, the Saints and Dolphins are bidding for playoff position as the season ends. The Dolphins seem to be in good form and have momentum.
Under other circumstances, the Saints would have the upper hand. However, that is no longer the case.
Godds Pick/Prediction: The Fins win, and the total stays under.