Green Bay Packers vs. Miami Dolphins Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Miami Dolphins play host to the Green Bay Packers in a crucial matchup on Sunday from Hard Rock Stadium. The Packers come into this one with their playoff hopes on life support, knowing that they need to keep the wins coming. For the Dolphins, a recent losing skid has cast some doubt over how the next few weeks might go for this group as well. These two haven’t met since all the way back in 2018 and with both teams looking quite a bit different now, this is sure to be an interesting matchup.
Packers Clinging To Playoff Hopes
The Packers started this season thinking that it could be the end of quite a few years of making their way into the playoffs, though the last few weeks have instilled hope in this group. Two wins in a row, albeit against two of the worst teams in the NFL, has this group still in the running for a Wild Card spot. It would likely take wins in each of their last three games to find their way into the postseason but it certainly remains in play. Going on the road has been a problem for this team so far this season, with a 2-5 road record, while traveling to Miami isn’t going to be an easy trip. This team has struggled in nearly every game against teams likely to make the postseason and changing that against another team with much to prove, will be a challenge.
One concern for this group is the injury report growing, especially on the offensive side of things. Aaron Jones (knee) is questionable, while AJ Dillon (concussion) and Aaron Rodgers (thumb) are both probable. With added injuries on the offensive line, Green Bay could be hard-pressed against Miami’s defensive front.
LIVE: Head Coach Matt LaFleur meets with the media on Friday as the #Packers prepare for the Miami Dolphins 🎙️ https://t.co/MdsvyxQaoP
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) December 23, 2022
While the offense has been this group’s calling card over the last few years, the defense is what is likely to get them over the hump in this one. Miami has one of the league’s best passing attacks but they haven’t seen a secondary built like Green Bay’s. Ranked second in the league in passing defense, the Packers have the tools to slow them down through the air. The more pressing concern is on the ground, where they rank 29th in rush defense, though will thankfully be facing a Miami ground game that is nearly non-existent. Quay Walker (105 tackles) has been elite in the middle and with Jaire Alexander (4 interceptions) on the outside, this group is built for success.
Dolphins Aim To Snap Skid
Sitting in first place in the AFC East just a few weeks ago, the Dolphins are now looking to get back into the win column and to right the ship. With three losses in a row, the Dolphins have seen the divisional title seemingly fall out of their grasp, while getting one of the better Wild Card spots appears to be the new priority. It hasn’t helped that they’ve been on the road each of the last three weeks as well, where they too have a losing record this season. At home, they are 5-1 and will be thrilled to be back for this crucial matchup. With their last two games looming against the Patriots and Jets, grabbing a win on Sunday in this one is a must.
The Dolphins are in better shape than their opponent in this one when it comes to the injury report, though they could use some help as well. Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip) is questionable and could be missed in the running game. On the defensive side, Byron Jones (ankle) remains out in the secondary, while Emmanuel Ogbah (tricep) will be missed in the pass rush.
.@WingfieldNFL with his 3️⃣ keys for #GBvsMIA ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/Hi6Jn8O7N9
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 23, 2022
Miami’s defense has been holding them back this season but all eyes will be on how the offense stands up against Green Bay. Miami has one of the league’s most potent offenses and with the weapons at their disposal, they’ll be confident in being able to find success in this one. They rank fifth in the league in scoring and third in passing offense, though if they can’t improve the rushing attack, controlling the game might continue to be an issue. Tyreek Hill and Jaylon Waddle both come into this one with seven touchdowns and have formed into one of the league’s most dominant duos. If those two can find the ball in space, they’ll be destined for the win at home.
Best Bets for this Game
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The Dolphins will come out on top in this one and their offense will be too much or the Packers to keep pace with. Even without a strong ground game, having two of the best wide receivers in the league will come in handy against the Packers. Green Bay definitely has some strong players on the defensive side but they don’t have the depth to match what Miami can do with their talent. Adding in Miami’s strong ground defense, they will be able to avoid Green Bay controlling the entire game on the ground. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Dolphins are 12-3 ATS in their last 15 home games against a team with a losing road record.
Prediction: Dolphins (-3.5)
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This will be one of the higher-scoring games of the weekend and that has seemed to be the case for quite a few of Miami’s games. The Dolphins have one of the league’s most efficient and most explosive offenses, with far too much talent and athleticism to be slowed down in this one. On the other side, the Packers have slowly been finding their own groove and with Miami’s struggles on the defensive side at times this season, it’s a prime opportunity for Rodgers to find success. Additionally, according to covers.com, the over is 4-1 for Green Bay in their last five games overall and 5-1 in their last six games on grass.
Prediction: Over 49.5
