Patriots vs. Dolphins 2021 NFL Week 18 Odds, Analysis & Prediction

By Carlos Chacon • January 4, 2022

Two AFC East teams gear up for the final week of the season. The Patriots travel to Florida to take on the Heat in Week 18. Although a win does not change the Dolphins’ elimination from playoff contention, the team looks forward to ending their season on a positive note. The side just broke their seven-game losing streak in the hands of the Titans. On the other hand, the Patriots bounce back from back-to-back losses after bulldozing the Jaguars, 50-10. They top their division and are overflowing with confidence after securing a playoff spot.

NitroBetting presents game info that highlights event details, team and player stats, the latest NFL betting odds, trends, and our very own expert predictions. Get a full preview of the contest down below.

Patriots vs. Dolphins Information

The Patriots clinched a spot in the postseason, but where could they end up in the final seeding?@pfwpaul takes a look at the latest playoff picture: https://t.co/afr9SM2BZA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 3, 2022

When: Sunday, January 9, 2022, 4:25 PM ET
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
TV: CBS
Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub (Patriots) / 560 WQAM (Dolphins)
Live Stream:NFL Network, NFL League Pass
NFL Odds: Patriots (-7.0) / Dolphins (+7.0)

Why Bet on the New England Patriots?

The Patriots are one of the few teams that excel on the road. They secured six wins in seven road games. The team picked up its first road loss of the season in Week 15 against the Colts. Nevertheless, their current record makes them the obvious favorites as Sunday approaches.

The visitors display impressive offense as of late. They are the eighth-highest scoring team in the league and averaged 27.4 points per game. In 16 contests, the side managed to record 34 points in four games. Head coach Bill Belichick utilizes both passing and ground game. The Pats are one of the best rushing teams right now, recording 126.1 rushing yards (eighth) per game. The squad finished their last game with 181 rushing yards. Furthermore, New England can challenge the Dolphins’ passing defense with an average of 225.8 passing yards (15th) per game.

Defensively, the Pats allow the least points in the league right now. They limit teams to under 17 points per game. This comes from an impressive passing defense that restricts competitors to 192.4 passing yards (fourth) per game. The Pats’ run defense that is giving up 119.3 rushing yards (22nd) per game should still pose problems for the relatively weak Dolphins run game.

Running back Damien Harris (hamstring) and left tackle Isaiah Wynn (hip) are two offensive linemen on the questionable list.

Why Bet on the Miami Dolphins?

Even though the Dolphins are out of playoff contention, the hosts can still play for a better draft position next season. The team is eager to bounce back from a 34-3 defeat to the Titans. However, it won’t be a straightforward mission as they face a tough Pats squad.

Sunday brings the Dolphins a chance for their defense to shine. We expect plenty of pressure coming from the visitors from the get-go. The Dolphins are known to be a defense-oriented team. They limit teams to 21.8 points (16th) per game. Additionally, they record respectable passing and rushing defense stats. The Dolphins allow 108.3 rushing yards (11th) and 226.6 passing yards (14th) per game.

There’s not much to highlight when it comes to the Dolphins’ offense except for their passing statistics. The team can almost match the Pats’ passing yards record at 221.8 per game (16th). But we expect this side of the hosts to be tested as New England has the more consistent passing defense this season.

The Dolphins have a healthy squad ahead of the game. But, we expect second-choice players to log more playing time. This avoids the risk of starters picking up injuries before their 2021-22 NFL campaign comes to an end.

Patriots vs. Dolphins Betting Trends

The Patriots are 4-6 in their last ten road games against the Dolphins (3-7 ATS).
The Patriots are 7-3 in their last ten regular-season road games (6-4 ATS).
The totals have gone under in three of the Patriots’ last five road games against the Dolphins.
The Dolphins are 5-0 in their last five regular-season home games (4-1 ATS).
The Dolphins are 3-1 in their last four home games against the Patriots (3-2 ATS).
The totals have gone over in two of the Dolphins’ last four home games.

Patriots vs. Dolphins Expert Betting Predictions

The Patriots are the safer pick given their overall record and more consistent results leading up to Week 18. These teams last faced off in the season opener, where Miami pulled off a one-point victory at Gillette Stadium. Needless to say, the Patriots found their stride since and should be able to produce a comfortable win.

On the other hand, covering the spread should be doable for the hosts. They have home-field advantage and plenty of pace following their long string of victories. A win is not off the table, but a shuffled roster might take some sting off the squad.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.