Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints betting tips and NFL predictions

Free American football tips, best bets and analysis for Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints in Week 16 of the NFL.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & NFL, 1.15am Tuesday

Best bet

Miami Dolphins
2pts 3-4 Betfair

Match preview

The Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints are hanging tough in the NFL playoff race as they prepare to go head-to-head at the Superdome but it’s the Dolphins who look likely to extend their winning streak to seven.

Miami’s 1-7 record seems like a lifetime ago as Brian Flores’s team has since been on an incredible run to get back to 7-7, with their defence being the real reason behind their success.

They have allowed more than 17 points just once in that period, which came last week in their 31-24 win over the Jets. Even then, the Dolphins defence essentially shut out the Jets in the second half (New York’s touchdown was a pick-six) and that sturdy unit should be able to power them to yet another win.

The Saints were already likely to struggle on offence before being forced to start rookie Ian Book at quarterback due to Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian being placed on the Covid-19 list. Making your first professional start against a defence that blitzes like it’s going out of fashion is the stuff of nightmares.

As for Miami’s offence, despite a couple of interceptions last week, Tua Tagovailoa has been much-improved in his recent stretch with the Fins putting up 20-plus points in their last five games.

His rapport with Jaylen Waddle has been tremendous, and although it’s uncertain whether the receiver will suit up this week, Tua has proven he can rely on his tight ends to help him get down the field.

New running back Duke Johnson also showed he can add a different dimension to their run game that they had been lacking with Myles Gaskin.

The Saints’ defence will be tough to break down, as they proved in last week’s shutout against the Bucs, but the Dolphins have the tools to pick them apart.

The lowdown

Venue Caesars Superdome
Surface Artificial
Weather Indoor
Vegas handicap Miami Dolphins -2.5
Vegas points line 37.5

Key stat

The Dolphins have allowed more than 17 points just once in their last six games.

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