NFL 2024/25: Dolphins – Titans
After a turbulent NFL Week 4, in which we were not spared any surprises this weekend, the popular Monday Night format offers a second helping for all those who just can’t get enough.
Meanwhile, get ready for a defensive battle in my Dolphins Titans tip. Because it’s supposed to rain in beautiful Miami on game day and the two weakening quarterbacks are unlikely to deliver touchdown passes into the opponent’s end zone on an assembly line.
The Miami Dolphins are in a tricky spot ahead of their Monday Night Football clash with the Titans. Nearly all bookmakers have already eliminated them from the field of potential 2024 NFL favorites.
Even before the absence of Tua Tagovailoa due to a concussion, the Fins were already short-handed.
But now Skylar Thompson is also doubtful to play against the Titans after suffering a painful rib injury in the 24-3 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks.
But in all honesty, the underwhelming backup quarterback won’t be missed on the field in sunny Miami.
If Thompson is indeed out, Miami could turn to third-string quarterback Tim Boyle or the newly signed Tyler Huntley, who was most recently a backup with the Baltimore Ravens.
Switching to one of these two quarterbacks won’t make much of a difference at first glance, but the fact that the Dolphins’ O-line is currently decimated will certainly have an impact on their performance.
In particular, the absence of Terron Armstead and Isaiah Wynn is weakening the Dolphins considerably at the moment.
Incidentally, all these injury worries have led to the Dolphins Titans odds being changed in the meantime – originally traded as slight favorites (-1.5), the “Fins” are now the underdogs (+1.5).
On the other side is the Titans’ strong defense. Under new defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson, Tennessee has allowed the sixth-fewest yards per play in the NFL and ranks 11th in EPA allowed per play.
The Titans’ aggressive defensive strategy should make it difficult for the Dolphins’ already fragile and replacement-weakened offense to even get into the game.
With their backs against the wall, the Dolphins will have to rely heavily on their running backs, especially Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, who should be ready for Week 4 due to the extended preparation time.
The Titans’ offense is not known to have much going for it under their rookie QB. Will Levis, the young quarterback, has struggled with inconsistency and problems under pressure this season.
Despite the talent on the offensive side of the ball, Tennessee lacks the efficiency needed to successfully complete their drives.
However, since I think their defense will affect the opposing offense more than the other way around, Will Levis could end up on the winning side even with another inteception if he’s lucky.
Neither the Dolphins’ nor the Titans’ playbook relies on tempo or quick plays, by the way; both teams rank 28th and 29th in that category, respectively, which makes them somewhat predictable.
Add to that potentially bad weather and uncomfortable humidity in South Florida – the perceived temperature is 39 degrees, with 80% humidity and a 60% chance of thunderstorms.
So points are likely to be hard to come by on Monday night.
Put all of that together – the Dolphins’ injury concerns, the tricky QB situation for both teams and the potentially unfavorable weather conditions – and this match could turn out to be a low-scoring and tactically driven duel.
That’s precisely why I pulled up the Betano app on my phone to get an overview of the various offers that emanate from a game that will be low on touchdowns.
I found what I was looking for in the under 36.5 points offer, which is currently available at odds of 1.98. If you are lucky, you could get an odds boost from various providers, which would increase the payout considerably.
Conclusion: My Dolphins Titans prediction clearly tends towards a game with few points. Both teams’ defenses are better than their respective offenses.
The exhausting heat in Miami and the lack of speed in both opponents’ offenses also contribute to the fact that Miami should score few touchdowns.
Therefore, I’m betting on a Dolphins Titans tip of the “Under 36.5 points” variety.
