Miami Dolphins vs. Tennessee Titans: Monday Night Football Preview
As the NFL season heats up, the Miami Dolphins (1-2) are set to host the Tennessee Titans (0-3) in one of two Monday Night Football games in Week 4. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET, and the Dolphins enter the matchup as 2.5-point favorites. With both teams struggling to find their footing this season, this game presents a critical opportunity for Miami to turn things around and for Tennessee to avoid an embarrassing fourth consecutive loss.
Current Odds and Betting Lines
The latest odds reflect the Dolphins’ status as favorites, with the spread currently at Miami -2.5. Here’s a quick look at the betting lines:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Titans | +2.5 (-108) | +114 | O 37 (-110) |
| Miami Dolphins | -2.5 (-112) | -135 | U 37 (-110) |
These odds have shifted slightly throughout the week, particularly after the Dolphins announced Tyler Huntley as their starting quarterback, a move that has garnered attention from bettors.
The Titans’ Struggles: Will Levis Under Fire
The Titans have been plagued by poor performances, particularly from quarterback Will Levis. Currently the lowest-graded starting quarterback in the NFL, Levis has struggled significantly, throwing nine interceptions and fumbling the ball nine times in just 11 starts. His inability to protect the ball has led to critical turnovers, including a disastrous outing against the Green Bay Packers last week, where he was sacked eight times and threw a pick-six.
Levis’s past success against Miami, where he achieved his only 300-yard passing game last season, seems like a distant memory. With head coach Brian Callahan’s patience wearing thin, the Titans may soon consider a change at quarterback if Levis cannot improve his performance.
Miami’s Quarterback Carousel: Tyler Huntley Takes the Helm
On the other side of the field, the Dolphins are also dealing with quarterback issues. With Tua Tagovailoa sidelined due to a concussion and Skylar Thompson out with a rib injury, Tyler Huntley steps in as the third starting quarterback for Miami this season. Huntley, a former Pro Bowl QB, brings a dual-threat capability that could be crucial against a struggling Titans defense.
Huntley has shown flashes of brilliance in his career, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for over 500 yards in his nine career starts. His ability to stretch the field and utilize his legs could provide the Dolphins with the spark they need to exploit Tennessee’s defensive weaknesses.
Exploiting the Titans’ Defense
The Dolphins’ offensive strategy will likely mirror the successful game plan executed by the Green Bay Packers last week, who rushed for 188 yards against the Titans. Miami’s offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel will likely focus on a balanced attack, utilizing both Huntley’s legs and the speed of playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
With Tennessee missing key defensive players, including star defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, the Dolphins have a golden opportunity to capitalize on their speed and depth. The Titans’ defense has struggled to contain explosive offenses, and Miami’s array of weapons could prove too much to handle.
Betting Insights: The Levis Factor
When it comes to betting, the Levis factor cannot be overlooked. His track record against the spread is concerning, with a 3-8 record in his starts and a dismal 2-6 as an underdog. This trend has led many bettors to lean towards Miami, especially given the Titans’ current form and injury woes.
The Dolphins’ ability to score quickly and efficiently could be a deciding factor in this matchup. If Huntley can connect with his star receivers and establish a running game, Miami could cover the spread comfortably.
Final Thoughts
As the Dolphins prepare to face the Titans, the stakes are high for both teams. Miami is looking to regain momentum and prove they are a playoff contender, while Tennessee is desperate to avoid a disastrous start to the season. With Tyler Huntley at the helm and a potent offense ready to strike, the Dolphins appear poised to take advantage of the Titans’ struggles. As kickoff approaches, fans and bettors alike will be eagerly watching to see how this intriguing matchup unfolds.