Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints Betting Preview

Monday Night Football features a battle of 7-7 teams as the Miami Dolphins take on the New Orleans Saints. The Saints will host this one at the Caesars Superdome, with kickoff scheduled for 8:15 pm ET.
After starting the season 1-7, the Dolphins have strung together six straight victories and now find themselves in the playoff hunt. Last week, they took down the New York Jets 31-24.
In the win, Tua Tagovailoa threw for 196 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. Duke Johnson led the attack on the ground going for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
After losing five straight, the Saints now have won back-to-back games after a 9-0 shutout of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. In the win, Taysom Hill threw for 154 yards while rushing for another 33.
Brent Maher accounted for all of the scoring in the game as he went three for three with field goals.
The Dolphins are the favorites in this one despite playing on the road. They are -168 to win while the Saints’ moneyline sits at +142. The spread features New Orleans +3 (-105), and the over/under for total points is 37 (-110).
More Odds
Both of these teams are longshots to win the Super Bowl this season. The Saints are +14000 to win it all, while the Dolphins are +22000.
By The Numbers
New Orleans has had a slightly better offense this season. They rank 17th in scoring averaging 22.4 points per game. The Dolphins rank tied for 21st averaging 20.4 points.
Defensively, it is again the Saints with the edge. They rank fifth in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 20.4 points per game (27.8 at home). The Dolphins rank 18th allowing 22.3 points (26.3 on the road).
With A Win, Dolphins Would Hold Playoff Spot
Due to holding a tiebreaker, if the Miami Dolphins win Monday night, they would technically be holding one of the playoff spots with just a couple of weeks remaining. Currently, out right now, they would claim Baltimore’s seventh seed with a victory.
Trying to lead the Dolphins to the win will be quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. In 10 games this season, he has thrown for 2,141 yards, 14 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has also rushed for three scores.
Tagovailoa’s best receiver has been Jaylen Waddle. This season, Waddle has 86 receptions for 849 yards and four touchdowns. Waddle is probable to play Monday after originally being on the COVID-19 list.
Also helping Tagovailoa in the passing game is wide receiver Devante Parker. He has only played in seven games this season due to injury, but he has 34 receptions for 457 yards and a pair of touchdowns in that time.
COVID Rearing Its Ugly Head In Saints’ Locker Room
This has been a rough week for the New Orleans Saints and COVID-19. Currently, the team has 20 players and four coaches in quarantine heading into Monday. While there is a chance some of those players could clear protocols, it is still an ugly situation.
One of the most impactful aspects of the outbreak is how it has hit both of the top two quarterbacks. Both Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian are expected out, meaning Ian Book will get the start under center.
This isn’t just a spot start for Book, it is his first career NFL start, so obviously, the adrenaline and nerves will be escalated.
With so much uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, expect a heavy dose of Alvin Kamara and the run game. In 10 games, Kamara has rushed 184 times for 688 yards and four scores. He also has 55 receptions for another 348 yards and four touchdowns.
Expect Dolphins To Keep Rolling
Miami will look to stay hot Monday night against a shorthanded New Orleans team. Granted, if the Saints’ defense can play as they did against Tampa Bay last week, the Saints could pull off a surprise.
With Ian Book taking his first professional snaps Monday night, though, it is just hard to feel comfortable in the offense doing enough to support the defense.
For that reason, take Miami to extend their win streak to seven games.