The Miami Dolphins (7-8) visit the Cleveland Browns (3-12). Miami can still make the playoffs, but they need help during Saturday’s NFL slate. They, like Indianapolis, will know by kickoff whether it’s mathematically possible. Our Dolphins vs Browns prediction is for favored Miami to cover the 6.5-point spread.
Head-to-head, Miami leads with a 12-9 record.
Offshore Odds: Miami Favored by Nearly a Touchdown
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphins | -6.5 (-105) | -285 | O 37.5 (-110) |
| Browns | +6.5 (-115) | +240 | U 37.5 (-110) |
Before Saturday’s Games, Miami Has 3 Playoff Pathways
There are three scenarios for the Dolphins to make the playoffs.
First, they win both their games, the Los Angeles Chargers lose both their games, and the Colts lose or tie one of their games.
Second, the Dolphins win both their games, the Broncos lose both their games, and the Colts lose or tie one of their games.
Third, the Dolphins win both their games, the Chargers lose both their games, and the Broncos lose both their games.
The one common denominator is that Miami cannot lose to the Browns or the Jets.
Both the Chargers and Broncos are playing on Saturday, so Miami will know by the end of the day if they are still alive before they take the field in Cleveland. The Dolphins are worn down. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, tackle Terron Armstead, wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and wide receiver Jaylen Waddle are all dinged up. If Sunday’s game is meaningless, there’s little point in them playing.
The Browns are starting backup to the backup quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, which is tantamount to conceding the game before it starts.
Since their 2-6 start, Miami has gone 5-2. The question of whether they would be two or three games better than they are had Tua not gotten hurt and their solid second-half play might keep quick-triggered owner Stephen Ross from firing head coach Mike McDaniel.
Cleveland’s QB Choice Makes Their Intentions Obvious
Thompson-Robinson went 20 for 34 in Week 16’s loss to Cincinnati. But he only compiled 157 yards passing and threw two picks. He ran for 49 yards. If the Browns were trying to compete, then Jameis Winston would be starting. There is no other way to put it.
Cleveland is the worst team in the NFL in takeaway differential at -18. They are next-to-last in points scored per game.
Like Miami, Cleveland will know by Saturday night if the game matters to the Dolphins and other remaining contenders. Presumably, head coach Kevin Stefanski will respond accordingly beyond simply playing the inferior quarterback on his roster.
Dolphins vs Browns Prediction: Miami’s Status Will Be Known Beforehand
The odds will likely change once Saturday’s games are complete. Currently, with Thompson-Robinson starting for Cleveland and Miami playing well, the Dolphins should win relatively easily.
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