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.
The young corps for Miami is reason to hold plenty of optimism. Young quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is connected with his old teammate Jaylen Waddle in the draft– a connection that resulted in Waddle scoring a touchdown on nearly 17% of his receptions. They also added Will Fuller in free agency, giving Miami one of the more explosive receiving corps in the AFC after lacking in that department for years. The Dolphins are sitting in a good spot to compete for 2021.
Miami Dolphins Week 1 odds
The Dolphins open their 2021 season with a familiar opponent, the New England Patriots. Miami began their 2020 season against New England as well– a game where Miami was stifled offensively and allowed three rushing touchdowns to Cam Newton. Despite finishing 2020 three games ahead of the Pats, the Dolphins opened as slight 2-point underdogs (now ). The line can be attributed to the money New England spent in free agency.
Last year, the season series was split between the two; however, point totals remained low– 32 points and 34 points in their two meetings, respectively. The games were won on the ground, with New England picking up 217 team rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in Week 1 and Miami totaling 250 yards and three touchdowns on the ground in Week 15. Each team added pass catchers this offseason, with the Dolphins signing Will Fuller in free agency (note: will miss this game with a suspension) and drafting Alabama stud Jaylen Waddle sixth overall.
The over/under in this Week 1 matchup is , over 25% higher than either point total from last season.
Complete Week 1 betting preview: Dolphins vs. Patriots
Miami 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.
Dolphins Super Bowl odds and other futures markets 2021
The Miami Dolphins are to win Super Bowl LVI.
- Odds to win Super Bowl: +3500
- To win AFC: +1800
- To win AFC East: +350
- Make playoffs: +110
- Dolphins win total: 9.5 (-110)
Odds last updated August 3
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!
Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule and betting odds
Here is the 2021 schedule for the Miami Dolphins with betting odds, from DraftKings Sportsbook, for each game.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff Time | Opening Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 12 | at New England Patriots | 4:25 p.m. ET | Patriots -2.5 |
| Week 2 | Sunday, Sept. 19 | vs. Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 26 | at Las Vegas Raiders | 4:05 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 4 | Sunday, Oct. 3 | vs. Indianapolis Colts | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 5 | Sunday, Oct. 10 | at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 6 | Sunday, Oct. 17 | at Jacksonville Jaguars (London) | 9:30 a.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 7 | Sunday, Oct. 24 | vs. Atlanta Falcons | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 8 | Sunday, Oct. 31 | at Buffalo Bills | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 9 | Sunday, Nov. 7 | vs. Houston Texans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 10 | Thursday, Nov. 11 | vs. Baltimore Ravens | 8:20 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 21 | at New York Jets | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 12 | Sunday, Nov. 28 | vs. Carolina Panthers | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 13 | Sunday, Dec. 5 | vs. New York Giants | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 14 | BYE | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Week 15 | Dec. 18 or Dec. 19 (Sat/Sun) | vs. New York Jets | TBA | OTB |
| Week 16 | Monday, Dec. 27 | at New Orleans Saints | 8:15 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 17 | Sunday, Jan. 2 | at Tennessee Titans | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
| Week 18 | Sunday, Jan. 9 | vs. New England Patriots | 1 p.m. ET | OTB |
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!
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
- Saints -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 Saints 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)
- Ravens +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 Ravens keep the game within five and lose 24-20, the Ravens (+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, a Dolphins 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 Jaguars (+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 Jaguars, 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 Jaguars (+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’ defense carried the team, 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
Trades: None
Re-signings: CB Nik Needham (one year, $850K)
Free agent losses: C Ted Karras (to Patriots), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (to Washington), EDGE Kyle Van Noy (to Patriots), S Bobby McCain (to Washington)
Free agent signings: WR Will Fuller (one year, $10 million), C Matt Skura (one year, $1.8 million), QB Jacoby Brissett (one year, $5 million), CB Justin Coleman (four years, $36 million), CB Jason McCourty (two years, $10 million), G D.J. Fluker (one year, $1.1 million), RB Malcom Brown (two years, $3.5 million)
Draft picks: WR Jaylen Waddle, EDGE Jaelen Phillips, S Jevon Holland, OT Liam Eichenberg, TE Hunter Long