Vikings vs Dolphins Betting Odds: AFC Hosts Face Tough Visitors

Once upon a time the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers were two of the most iconic football franchises. They combined to win eight Super Bowl titles. But nowadays, simply making the playoffs would be an achievement.

Miami was on its way to a special season until Tua Tagovailoa got hurt. Now, they’re down to their third-string quarterback and will be underdogs at home per the Vikings vs Dolphins betting odds. The Steelers are even bigger dogs on the NFL odds this early Sunday afternoon (1:00 p.m. ET).

Minnesota Vikings vs Miami Dolphins

• Records: Vikings (4-1), Dolphins (3-2)
• Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
• Streaming: Live Stream Sports

Dolphins Look to Rock Vikings’ Boat

Dolphins fans can only hope that Tagovailoa returns to action fully healthy. It’s unclear when he or Teddy Bridgewater will return. Thus, Miami will consistently find itself as an underdog as the Vikings vs Dolphins betting odds have it this Sunday. Skylar Thompson, the team’s seventh-round pick this year, will get his first start.

Thompson relieved Bridgewater last week and threw for 166 yards with one interception as Miami got blown out by the Jets. The Dolphins’ defense has now given up the third-most points in the NFL. With Thompson and the offense being turnover-prone, the defense will have an even tougher time keeping it together.

The Vikings, led by Kirk Cousins, now have an opportunity to boost their offensive numbers. Cousins has been terrible this season and his 86.4 passer rating is his lowest since 2014. Still, he could be in for a big game as the Dolphins allowed a 106.2 passer rating against opposing quarterbacks. Miami is also third-last in pressure rate (14.3 percent) so Cousins could finally have his “breakout” game.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Pittsburgh Steelers

• Records: Buccaneers (3-2), Steelers (1-4)
• Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Steelers On Shaky Ground Against Buccaneers Defense

If bettors fade the host on the Vikings vs Dolphins betting odds, you can double it when the Steelers host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh had the largest margin of defeat last week as Buffalo crushed them 38-3. The Steelers also scored the second-fewest points and now have the third-fewest heading to Week 6.

Kenny Pickett has yet to throw a touchdown though he’s already tossed four picks. On the bright side, he threw for 327 yards against Buffalo and has found chemistry with fellow rookie George Pickens. The duo can benefit more if the Steelers can get its running game going. The team is 29th in the NFL in rushing yards and averaging just 3.9 yards per attempt.

That won’t cut it against the Bucs who are a top-ten defensive unit. Tampa has not allowed a team outside of Kansas City to put up more than 15 points or 250 passing yards. Tom Brady and the offense may be struggling a bit. Todd Bowles keeps the defense stout so the Bucs will have to roll through the Week 6 NFL spread, which is the largest among road teams this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Indianapolis Colts

• Records: Jaguars (3-2), Colts (2-2-1)
• Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

Struggling AFC South Offenses Meet in Indy

We’re developing a bit of a theme here: struggling quarterbacks and fearsome defenses. It’s a key factor why the totals have gone ‘under’ nearly 60 percent of the time this season. The Colts have exemplified it this season. Matt Ryan has looked as washed as the team’s all-white uniforms and the team has scored the fewest points in the NFL (69).

Indianapolis can thank its clutch defense, which is a top-10 unit in both points and yards. The Colts even held the mighty Chiefs to just 315 total yards and 17 points. But you need to score to win and Jacksonville won’t make that easy. The Jaguars already blanked the Colts in their Week 2 meeting. Doug Pederson’s squad is allowing just 7.7 points on average against AFC teams.

The odds favor Indianapolis here since the Colts are 8-1 in their last nine home games against Jacksonville. This should be a defensive struggle even if Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars’ offense get it going. Four of these teams’ last five meetings have gone under the total.

New England Patriots vs Cleveland Browns

• Records: Patriots (2-3), Browns (2-3)
• Location: FirstEnergyStadium, Cleveland, Ohio

Battle of the Backups

Continuing with our theme, expect a low-scoring affair when New England meets Cleveland. Bailey Zappe is likely to start again for the Patriots as Mac Jones recovers from an ankle injury. Jacoby Brissett continues to manage the Browns as Deshaun Watson sits out with a suspension. The total is set at 42.5 points, which is the second-lowest of the early afternoon games.

Zappe looked fantastic as the Patriots butchered the Lions 29-0. The rookie completed 17 of 21 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown and interception each. Of course, he didn’t have to do much as the Patriots‘ defense did the heavy lifting. Considering Detroit was putting up the most points in the NFL, the shutout is impressive.

On Cleveland’s end, it’s the offense that’s carrying the team. The defense has underperformed but the team’s running game has been unstoppable. Nick Chubb is approaching 600 rushing yards as he leads the NFL in touchdowns (7) and rushing yards per game (118.6). If Cleveland’s defense can step up, it will be a boon to the running game.

For NFL betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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