Big change is brewing for the Miami Dolphins (1-1) here in Week 3 as the team will play its first game since putting starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on the injured reserve due to a concussion he suffered in a loss against Buffalo last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks (2-0) will look to win their third straight game to start the 2024-25 NFL Season. Kickoff is set for 4:05 PM EST on September 22nd at Lumen Field.
Skylar Thompson will look to make the most of his first opportunity to lead the Dolphins offense this weekend after suddenly being thrust into a starting role for the foreseeable future due to Tagovailoa’s head injury. Playing in a hostile road environment in Seattle will be a tough first test, especially when considering the Seahawks are off to a hot start so far in 2024.
It will be interesting to see how the coaching staff for Miami changes their offensive strategy, as Thompson definitely brings a different skillset to the quarterback position. Expect for the Dolphins to come out with a more balanced attack that prioritizes shorter throws to Tyreek Hill and higher percentage plays out of the backfield with the speedy De’Von Achane.
Matchup Details, Betting Market Information and Where to Watch
Oddsmakers opened this game up with the Seahawks listed as 6.5-point home favorites. The spread has narrowed significantly after early betting, as Seattle is currently available at -4.5 on most sportsbooks. The total for this matchup is 41 points. Viewers hoping to watch the game should note that it will be televised on CBS. In Canada, the game will also be available on DAZN.
Miami Dolphins Lose Tagovailoa For Foreseeable Future
Things started out bad and progressively got worse for the Dolphins in Week 2, as they got crushed 31-10 at home on Thursday Night Football against division rival Buffalo. Miami also lost their starting quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion after a hit from Damar Hamlin late in the third quarter. Skylar Thompson performed pretty well in the fourth quarter all things considered, going 8/14 for 80 yards through the air in relief off the bench.
De’Von Achane was the only Miami offensive player to have a decent outing against the Bills, recording 96 rushing yards on a team-high 22 carries while also adding seven catches for 69 yards and a touchdown through the air. However, the dynamic receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle never really found their footing against a tough Buffalo secondary, combining for only 65 yards on seven total receptions.
The Dolphins struggled defensively in Week 2, as Josh Allen and Co. racked up three touchdowns against a Miami run defense that had no answer for James Cook on the ground.
Seattle Seahawks Escape With OT Victory In New England
Despite coming away with a comeback win after forcing overtime late in the fourth quarter, Seattle can’t feel overly satisfied with their performance against the Patriots. The Seahawks jumped out to an early lead in the first half but really faltered down the stretch, scoring just three points over the final two quarters before kicking a game-winning field goal in OT.
QB Geno Smith had a good game, completing 33 out of 44 total passing attempts for 327 yards and a touchdown through the air. DK Metcalf was clearly his favorite target in Week 2, as he exploded for 129 yards and a touchdown on a game-high ten receptions. Zach Charbonnet scored a critical touchdown after a slow start to the game, leading the ground attack with 14 carries for 38 yards in his first start for the injured Kenneth Walker III.
Seattle wasn’t at their best defensively against the Pats, allowing well over 300 total yards of offense. The Seahawks couldn’t find a way to contain New England on the ground, as the running back duo of Antonio Gibson and Rhamondre Stevenson racked up 177 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Our Dolphins vs Seahawks NFL Betting Prediction and Pick
While I would have loved to jump on Miami when they opened up at +6.5, I still think there is some value with the Dolphins against the spread in this particular spot despite bettors hammering them down to only 4.5 point underdogs throughout the week. Of course, there will be a bit of an adjustment period on offense, but Skylar Thompson looked more than serviceable after getting called in to finish out the final quarter in Week 2. Despite not finding the end zone, he still recorded 80 passing yards and managed to avoid committing any turnovers in a game that was already well out of reach.
The Seahawks 2-0 start is likely a bit of a mirage as well, since both victories came against teams that aren’t expected to finish anywhere even close to a playoff spot by the end of the 2024 regular season. Seattle didn’t exactly blow the doors off Denver or New England either, as neither victory was by a margin greater than six points.
Against the Spread Betting Market Tip: Dolphins +4.5
I actually think that Miami has a decent shot to win this game outright, as the success of the Dolphins offense with Thompson under center will revolve around their rushing attack. This is a great spot for De’Von Achane to follow up his explosive performance in Week 2, as Seattle has been atrocious defending against the run so far this season.
These particular spots tend to offer bettors decent value more often than not, as the market still isn’t quite sure how to react to and subsequently price the Dolphins following Tagovailoa’s injury. As long as Miami commits to feeding Achane early and often on the road here in Week 3, I like the Dolphins to stay close to Seattle throughout this game. Take the 4.5 points and roll with the road underdog to cover on Sunday afternoon.
