An interconference clash wraps up Week 10 of NFL action as the Miami Dolphins (2-6) take on the Los Angeles Rams (4-4) at SoFi Stadium. Leading sportsbooks report that the Rams are drawing over 80% of the spread bets and money in what’s expected to be a high-scoring affair.
Favorites Struggle Against the Spread in Week 10
The week kicked off with nine NFL teams holding just two wins. Now, six teams, including the Dolphins, remain at that mark after the Patriots, Panthers, and Saints all notched victories as underdogs. So far, favorites are 8-5 straight up but a mere 3-10 against the spread in Week 10 heading into the Dolphins-Rams matchup.
It’s been a tough week for bettors backing the favorites. The underdogs have been barking loud, and it’s shaking up the standings.
Monday Night Football Odds and Insights
Miami Dolphins at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5), Over/Under 48.5 points.
Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, with streaming available on ESPN+ and NFL Plus.
The Rams are slight favorites, but with the way this season has unfolded, nothing’s guaranteed. The over/under suggests we’re in for a shootout under the bright lights of SoFi Stadium.
AFC Division Leaders Tighten the Race
The AFC division leaders are:
- Buffalo Bills (8-2)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)
- Houston Texans (6-4)
- Kansas City Chiefs (9-0)
The Chiefs remain unbeaten after a nail-biting win over the Denver Broncos, escaping with a blocked field goal on the game’s final play. The Ravens (7-3) are nipping at the Steelers’ heels in the AFC North after their thrilling 35-34 victory over the Bengals on Thursday night.
It’s anyone’s game in the AFC North, and every win counts.
NFC Division Leaders and Controversies
Leading the NFC are:
- Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
- Detroit Lions (8-1)
- Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
- Arizona Cardinals (6-4)
The Lions pulled off a 26-23 comeback win over the Texans, thanks to a last-second 52-yard field goal. However, controversy struck when a potential pass interference call was missed on the Texans’ final drive, leading to a long missed field goal attempt.
The NFC races are heating up, and officiating controversies are adding fuel to the fire.
Dolphins and Rams Eyeing Division Titles
The Dolphins have dropped three straight games since their bye week, despite outgaining opponents by an average of 30 yards per game. This includes close losses to the Bills and Cardinals with Tua Tagovailoa back under center.
On the flip side, the Rams have won three in a row, including a 30-20 victory over the Vikings and a 26-20 overtime win against the Seahawks. They’re right in the mix for the NFC West title.
Both teams have plenty at stake tonight.
Matchups and Key Players to Watch
Bob Stoll of Dr. Bob Sports provides some intriguing insights:
- Dolphins’ Offense: Struggling without Tua but only 14th in EPA per play even with him. Tyreek Hill’s production is down, averaging nearly 2 yards less per route run compared to last year.
- Rams’ Defense: Allowing a league-high 67% success rate to tight ends, which could spell trouble with Dolphins’ TE Jonnu Smith boasting a 66% success rate.
- Rams’ Edge Rusher: Jared Verse leads rookies with 39 pressures but faces a tough task against Dolphins’ LT Terron Armstead.
- Dolphins’ Pressure: Miami leads the league with a 42% pressure rate, and the Rams will be without starting RT Rob Havenstein.
It’s shaping up to be a battle of wills on both sides of the ball.
Betting Props and Predictions
Some key player props:
- Tua Tagovailoa passing yards: Over/Under 244.5
- Matthew Stafford passing yards: O/U 250.5
- De’Von Achane receiving yards: O/U 42.5
Prop bets are buzzing around Dolphins RB De’Von Achane’s receiving yards, which have been bet up from 39.5 to as high as 46.5 on some sportsbooks. Achane leads the Dolphins with 37 receptions this season and had eight and six catches in the last two games.
With Tyreek Hill listed as a game-time decision, Achane’s role could be even more significant.
Statistical Showdown: Dolphins vs. Rams
| Factor | Dolphins | Rams |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 134 | 128 |
| eFG% | 61.5% | 67.5% |
| Turnovers | 11 | 23 |
| Offensive Rebounds | 9 | 15 |
| Free Throws | 22-for-23 | 20-for-29 |
Note: The stats above seem misplaced from the previous context and may refer to another sport.
The Dolphins’ small-ball approach without Chet Holmgren (again, seems out of context) and the Rams’ lineup changes could play pivotal roles tonight.
Looking Ahead
After tonight’s game, the Dolphins return home to face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7), while the Rams head to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots (3-7).
Both teams are fighting to stay relevant in their respective divisions, and a win tonight could be a springboard for a playoff push.
