NFL Week 8 Preview: Picks & Predictions (Cardinals vs. Dolphins)
Sunday’s game between the Arizona Cardinals and Dolphins in Miami does not have division implications, and it’s too early for games to have serious playoff implications. But there is something very special about this game that makes it a must-see matchup: The Return of Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa has cleared concussion protocol and is expected to play. The Dolphins’ offense has not been the same without him, as the team has struggled to generate offense and score points. They went 1-3 without him. While a division title is unrealistic, a Wild Card berth is not.
What can we expect of him in his first game back?
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Cardinals vs. Dolphins Betting Preview
(Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook)
Details
- Opening Line: Dolphins -6, O/U: 47.0 Points
- Closing Line: Dolphins -4.5 (-105), O/U: 46.5 Points (-110/-110)
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL
- Start Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Last Meeting: November 8, 2020, Dolphins won 34-31
Overview
It is not hard to figure out what the dominant storyline will be for this game. No one outside of Arizona will care how Kyler Murray and the Cardinals play. Most football fans in Arizona may not even care too much about Arizona or whether Murray has a brilliant game or lays an egg.
All eyes will be on Tua Tagovailoa.
Since his injury vs. the Buffalo Bills in Week 2, there has been a national conversation in the media about concussions. Of course, the number of concussions Tagovailoa has had during his relatively short NFL career was probably discussed at some point over the last few weeks on every sports show in the country.
Many expressed concern for the long-term impact another concussion could have on the 26-year-old quarterback. Some even thought the franchise should do him a favor and not let him play. Due diligence was done, of course. The proper doctors were consulted and he’s been cleared to play.
Is it a mistake? Only time will tell, but as long as he does not get hurt again, the conversation will turn in no time once the game begins to about how he looks. Is he sharp? Timid? Can he take a hit and survive? Is he still the playmaker the Dolphins need? With him, the Dolphins have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL.
Without him, they have the worst offense (scoring) in the NFL.
Trends
- Dolphins are 35-20 with Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback but 6-12 without him.
- Miami has recorded one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown since Tagovailoa’s injury.
- 69% of Moneyline tickets are on Miami, while 65% of the handle is on Arizona.
- Arizona is 1-3 vs. the Dolphins when playing at Hard Rock Stadium.
Bottom Line
All the attention will be on Tagovailoa and Miami’s offense, but how well Murray and the Arizona offense performs could be even more critical. Murray is an electric playmaker. He’s been accurate (66.3% completion percentage), takes care of the ball (three interceptions) and is productive when he runs (9.0 yards/carry).
But to beat a Miami team with Tagovailoa back and doing his thing, the Cardinals’ offense needs to be more dynamic. James Conner is providing the team with a solid ground game, but they aren’t pushing the ball downfield in the passing game - which is what they drafted Marvin Harrison Jr. to help with.
Harrison caught four balls for 130 yards and two touchdowns in the one game (Week 2) they did connect deep. Murray was 17-of-21 for 266 yards, three touchdowns and a perfect QB Rating of 158.3. He averaged 12.7 yards per attempt in that game but has not averaged more than 6.7 yards per attempt since.
If Arizona throws downfield, they’ll win this game - but they will not.
Pick: Dolphins -4.5 (-105)