The Miami Dolphins are coming off consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in over 20 years. But do they have enough to overtake the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East Division, and can they contend in a conference featuring the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs?
Here’s the outlook for the Dolphins this season.
Miami Dolphins Futures Odds
All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook unless noted otherwise.
Super Bowl Odds: +2200
AFC Odds: +1100
AFC East Division Odds: +200
Win Total: 10.5 – Over (+125)/Under (-145)
To Make/Miss Playoffs: Make (-155)/Miss (+135)
Dolphins Offense
Miami was the only team in the NFL that averaged 400 or more yards a game last season (401.3), and only the Dallas Cowboys (29.9 PPG) averaged more points a game than the Dolphins (29.2).
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But fans are more than right in asking just which offense will be on display in 2024.
Will it be the high-scoring unit that put 70 points on the Denver Broncos in Week 3 and averaged 31.5 PPG over its first 14 games of the season? Or will it be the team that, over its final three regular season games and a loss in the playoffs, averaged only 15.5?
Logic seems to suggest the former in this case. With a Pro Bowl quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa), Pro Bowl running back (Raheem Mostert), and an All-Pro wide receiver (Tyreek Hill), it’s difficult to imagine any other team having more potential for explosive plays than the Dolphins.
There wasn’t much to add to this offense in the offseason, and yet the Dolphins did add potential weapons in wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and tight end Jonnu Smith.
Dolphins Defense
While not as flashy as the offensive unit, this group was top 10 in scoring defense (10th), although they ranked outside the top 20 in points allowed (22nd).
Over their final three games, including the playoffs — all losses — the Dolphins’ defense allowed an average of 34.3 PPG, although 56 of those points came in one game vs. the Baltimore Ravens.
Miami is hoping to turn things around for the better, signing defensive end Calais Campbell, linebacker Jordyn Brooks, and cornerback Kendall Fuller. All are expected to be in the starting lineup when the season begins.
One Betting Trend To Know
With such high expectations coming into the 2024 season, fans can expect this team to be the betting favorite in most matchups.
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And that was a situation that the Dolphins did not mind in 2023, as they went 9-2 against the spread as a betting favorite and 1-6 as an underdog (including the Wild Card loss to the Kansas City Chiefs).
Best Bet for Dolphins in 2024
The Dolphins are viewed by many as a true Super Bowl contender. So, if you believe in this team, getting Miami with odds of +2200 to win the Super Bowl seems like a bet to seriously consider.
However, considering they haven’t won a playoff game since they defeated the Indianapolis Colts way back in 2000, I happen to think +200 to win the AFC East Division is a terrific play for this team in 2024.
In fairness, one potential roadblock to a division title is returning to road games at the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets to finish the regular season. Playing up north in winter isn’t exactly a recipe for success with Miami.
