Dolphins vs Commanders Predictions, Picks & Odds for Tonight's NFL Preseason Game

Shawn Krest - Betting Analyst at Covers.com
Shawn Krest • Betting Analyst 20+ years betting experience
Updated: Aug 14, 2026 , 04:13 PM ET • 4 min read

Expect the Commanders to strike fast against Miami's secondary, throwing Malik Willis straight into the deep end during a trial-by-fire opening test for his new squad.

nfl

Aug 14 • 4:00 PM ET
Jayden Daniels Washington Commanders NFL
Photo By - Reuters Connect. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium.

After capping off a week of joint practices, the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders square off tonight at Northwest Stadium (7 p.m. ET, NFL+). 

Reports from practice suggest these rebuilds are moving in opposite directions—making Washington a live home dog. 

Our Dolphins vs. Commanders predictions back the Commanders to cover and take care of business as 3-point underdogs.

Here are my free NFL picks for Friday, Aug. 14.

Dolphins vs Commanders predictions

Pick Kalshi
Probabillity
Commanders ML 39%
Over 36.5 51%

Percentages courtesy of Kalshi, one of the best prediction market apps.

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 TOP PICK

Who will win Dolphins vs Commanders: Commanders

Kalshi probability: 39%

The coaching cliché says that joint preseason practices give a team a chance to face someone in a different colored jersey. But after practicing with the Washington Commanders, the colors the Miami Dolphins' offensive line will face in the mirror are black and blue.  

The Commanders dominated the trenches. New Miami quarterback Malik Willis was scrambling for his life most of the day. 

While the Dolphins’ linemen were bruised, the receivers and secondary were toasted and blackened. On offense, Miami’s pass-catchers couldn’t get open, and on the other side of the ball, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels sliced and diced the Dolphins' defensive backs.

Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in 20-plus-yard plays last year. But with a healthy Daniels and the addition of Stefon Diggs, that looks ready to improve.

Dolphins vs Commanders Over/Under pick: Over 36.5

Kalshi probability: 51%

Miami took a wrecking ball to the offense over the offseason, getting rid of offensive wizard Mike McDaniel as head coach and cutting ties with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and every receiver who registered 350-plus yards last year.

Willis has looked capable as the new starter for much of the early preseason, but the joint practices now throw that into doubt. Maybe his success came from facing a weak Miami defense, because the offense was in turmoil against Washington.

Daniels and backups Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman should enjoy plenty of production against Miami's poor defense. But will the Dolphins do their part to cash this Over?

Willis has shown an ability to make a big play with his legs. If he can produce one score, and fourth-quarter garbage time leads to a second Miami touchdown, Washington should be able to do the rest.

Dolphins vs Commanders live odds

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Dolphins vs Commanders weather

Friday won’t reach the low 90s temperatures that we’ve seen in the D.C. area for the joint practices, but it will be mid-to high 80s with a chance of light rain.

How to watch Dolphins vs Commanders

Location Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Date Friday, Aug. 14, 2026
Kickoff 7 p.m. ET
TV NFL+

Dolphins vs Commanders latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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Shawn Krest
Betting Analyst

Since quitting his job as bank assistant vice-president in 2000, Shawn has covered Final Fours, Super Bowls, World Series games and title fights in boxing and UFC. His work has appeared on ESPN, MLB.com, Sports Illustrated and dozens of other outlets. His book, Baseball Meat Market was published in 2018. He lives in North Carolina with his dog Toby, eight turtles, and wife.

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