The 10-6 Miami Dolphins did not make the playoffs in what must be one of the toughest seasons to swallow for Dolphins fans. Head Coach Brian Flores was one of the best in the NFL this season, making the most of the limited talent on the roster, putting him in the running for Coach of the Year. Miami became just the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to miss the Playoffs with 10 or more wins; joining the 2008 Patriots, the 1985 Broncos, and the 1967 Colts; that’s in spite of an expanded playoff field.
While missing out on the playoffs is a painful sting, fans have to be excited about what they have. Tua Tagovailoa wasn’t quite what the team expected (yet), but their defense is immensely talented. Running backs Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed (who also played together in college at Washington) have been one of the most explosive tandems in the entire league. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ted Karras are only players slated for free agency that saw major snaps this season, meaning this Dolphins team will be back next season.
With two first-round picks (third and 18th), Miami should find the final pieces needed to be a real NFL contender in 2021.
Miami Dolphins odds
Best Dolphins betting site(s)
Dolphins prop bets
Prop bets are based on individual performance, typically surrounding players. Against the Jets this past season, Myles Gaskin had a projected rushing total of 66.5 yards. Those who expected Gaskin to usurp 67 yards would take the over while those who thought Gaskin would rush for 66 or less yards would bet the under. In that game, Gaskin piled up 91 rushing yards, awarding those who bet the over a win.
Search below for Miami Dolphins team or player props currently being offered at sportsbooks. You can also look around at other teams and players using this tool. Happy shopping!
Dolphins futures odds
Futures are long-term bets that can range from an offseason to a full season (or beyond). Team win totals, award winners, and player performance are common futures. For example:
2020 Odds to win NFL OROY
- Joe Burrow +220
- Tua Tagovailoa +290
- Clyde Edwards-Helarie +500
- Justin Herbert +1200
This line for the Offensive Rookie of the Year would often be bet before the season starts. Futures allow for bettors to capitalize on players they think are favorites to win awards long before the odds shift away from their favor. For example, Herbert opened with odds of +1200 to win the OROY award after the NFL Draft; his odds shifted and he eventually won the award in December.
Dolphins Super Bowl LVI odds
The Miami Dolphins opened as +2500 odds to win Super Bowl LVI. Those odds are second-best in the AFC East and fifth-best in the AFC.
Dolphins AFC East odds
The Miami Dolphins were unable to win the AFC East after the 13-3 Buffalo Bills clinched the division title.
Dolphins win totals
NFL win totals will be released later this offseason. Keep your eyes on this page for the latest NFL projected win totals.
Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule and betting odds
Check back for the complete Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule along with the opening spreads for every game.
How to bet on the Miami Dolphins
Moneyline
The moneyline is the simplest of bets, decided by the straight-up winner and loser of each game. Consider the following example:
- Dolphins +185
- Chiefs -140
The Dolphins are considered underdogs in this matchup (indicated by +185), with a total payout of $285 on a $100 bet ($185 in winnings plus the initial $100 bet back). The Chiefs are the favorite in this matchup, with bettors needing to wager $140 to win $100 (plus their initial $100 bet back). How much either team wins or loses by does not matter in moneyline betting, the payout remains the same.
Point spread
Betting on the point spread is determinant on how many points a team wins or loses by. Take the following example:
- Dolphins -4.5 (-110)
- Chargers +4.5 (-110)
In this example, Miami is favored by 4.5 points, indicated by “-4.5.” If the Dolphins win the game 30-25, the Dolphins (-4.5) win the bet and would have a total payout of $19.09 on a $10 bet ($9.09 in profit). If the Chargers keep the game within five and lose 24-20, the Chargers (+4.5) would win, and the payout would be the same as listed above.
Point total (over/under)
The point total refers to the over/under line set by books. This number projects the total number of points scored in a game and, like prop betting, is bet whether one thinks the score will go over or under the set point total. For example, the Dolphins’ Week 5 matchup with the San Francisco 49ers had a projected point total of 48.5 points. The Dolphins won that game 43-17, resulting in 60 points scored. Those who bet the over on the game cashed out.
With a strong defense that forced lots of turnovers, the Dolphins had a lower expected point total for most of their games. Their offense also struggled to move the ball at times, resulting in point totals that commonly fell between 45 and 51 points.
In-play and live betting
Sometimes, the most thrilling and rewarding bets are bets made while games are being played. These are referred to as live bets or in-play bets. Odds are ever-changing during games, which would prove to be fruitful for sharp and prepared bettors. For example, if the Dolphins (-225) were heavily favored against the Broncos (+190) before kickoff, a payout on a $10 bet on the Dolphins to win would win just $4.44.
However, say the Dolphins fell to a big 20-3 deficit in the first half despite controlling the overall game (due to costly turnovers or special teams gaffes). Odds may swing in favor of the Broncos, who may be a -110 favorite at halftime. Taking the Dolphins to come back and win the game could present plus-odds (say, +130). Should a bettor take Miami (+130) at halftime and the Dolphins pull off the comeback, winners would win $13 instead of $4.44 (plus the initial $10 bet).
This could also be an effective way to “hedge” your bet; say a bettor took the Broncos (+190) in that game, but Miami jumps out to a 17-0 first quarter lead and is controlling the overall feel of the game, bettors could hedge by throwing some money down on Miami (-270) to return some of the inevitably-lost bet.
Parlays and teasers
You can always string bets together in the form of parlays or teasers. Usually during busy Sundays, bettors can parlay several teams to win or cover against the spread and if all bets are successful, the payouts are multiplied. Teasers function similarly, except they allow bettors to move each point spread to a more favorable line in exchange for diminished odds.
Dolphins 2020 recap
Record: 10-6
Record ATS: 11-5
Over/under record: 7-9
Despite an expanded playoff field, the Dolphins missed out on a playoff berth while going 10-6. It was a tough pill to swallow, but Miami had an overall successful year and led Brian Flores to be heavily considered for the Coach of the Year award. They became one of just two teams since 2000 to miss the playoffs with a 10-6 mark. The Dolphins were carried by their stellar defense, led by Xavien Howard, and finished fourth in points allowed per game in 2020.
Expectations in Miami were low despite the Fins securing their franchise-quarterback hopeful in Tua Tagovailoa. With the Dolphins routinely winning games, they picked up the best record against the spread in the NFL (tied with the Bills). However, their offense’s inability to move the ball at times (especially through the air) resulted in a sub-0.500 mark against the point total.
Dolphins 2021 offseason moves
Key free agents: Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB), Ted Karras (C)
Draft pick position needs: WR, RB, OT, LB
The Dolphins have a big decision to make. With veteran and partial-starter Ryan Fitzpatrick likely headed to another team after being benched for Tua, Miami will have to decide who they want to roll with at quarterback moving forward. Texans’ star Deshaun Watson has reported interest in joining the Dolphins via trade. Starting center Ted Karras is also set to be a free agent. At just 28 years old and having played 100% of Miami’s offensive snaps, the Dolphins will likely prioritize Karras this offseason.
Miami fans will enjoy the upcoming draft process, as the Dolphins are in need of playmakers. The 2021 class of wide receivers is one of the best in recent memory, highlighted by LSU’s Ja’Marr Chase, Alabama’s Jaylen Waddle, and Heisman Trophy winner DaVonte Smith. They may also look to sure-up their offensive line and secure a workhorse running back moving forward. With the third overall and 18th overall picks, Miami has their pick of almost anyone they want in the draft.