Miami Dolphins: Can They Cover Against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17?

The Miami Dolphins are on an absolute tear, having won seven straight to resurrect their season after a seven-game losing streak.

The Dolphins currently sit in the seventh seed, but their final two games are against the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, two of the top teams in the AFC. As one of four teams tied at 8-7, I believe that Miami’s NFL playoff odds are slim if they don’t win this week.

The Dolphins are underdogs heading into this week’s game against the Titans. Let’s look at their chances of covering the spread on Sunday.

Dolphins vs. Titans Game Information

Before taking a deeper look here’s what you need to know:

• Date: Sunday, Jan. 2nd
• Time: 1:00 P.M. EST on CBS
• Venue: Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN
• Participants: Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans

Making a Case for the Miami Dolphins (+3.5, -110)

Miami went undefeated in November and December. Their defense has been the main reason for their success.

They’ve been holding opponents to 11.7 points per game during the winning streak. Miami’s defense has been particularly effective against the run this season, allowing the seventh-fewest yards on the ground.

The Titans’ offensive strength is running the ball, even with Derrick Henry injured. They’re second in rush attempts and fourth in yards entering Week 17.

Miami’s defense leads the league in sacks with 45. Tennessee has allowed 45 sacks this season, the fourth-most in the NFL.

With the way that the Dolphins defense has been playing and the Titans scoring struggles of late (15.8 points per game over their last five), the Dolphins defense should have another dominant performance.

Offensively, Miami loves to throw the ball, ranking eighth in pass attempts on the year. Tua Tagovailoa has averaged 31.6 attempts per game in his starts since he returned from an injury. They also got Jaylen Waddle back last week, and he didn’t miss a beat, recording 12 catches for 92 yards and a touchdown.

The Titans have allowed the 26th most yards through the air this year. This passing game is a matchup that should favor the Dolphins this week and help them keep it close if they’re trailing.

The Case Against the Dolphins

While everything has been clicking for Miami, the schedule has been a significant factor in that. Of the teams that they’ve beaten during their winning streak, only the Baltimore Ravens have a winning record.

Tennessee also got their top receiver back last week, A.J. Brown, and he had a monster performance to pace the offense. Miami has given up the 22nd most passing yards, and he’s proven that he can take over a game.

There is also a significant rest and travel difference heading into this game. Last week, the Titans played on Thursday night at home, so they have 10 days and no travel between games.

Meanwhile, the Dolphins played Monday night in New Orleans, so they have just six days and multiple flights between games. Fatigue may be a factor working against them this week.

Can the Dolphins Cover the Spread?

I think that the Miami Dolphins match up well and have a great chance to cover, assuming COVID-19 doesn’t force many players into inactive status.

These teams have been strong defensively, and I expect this to be a low-scoring game. For that reason, I’d consider other teams for BetMGM’s King of the Weekend promo for Week 17.