Falcons vs Dolphins Prediction, Picks & Odds for This Week’s NFL Preseason Game

A new era is beginning in Atlanta, and our NFL picks expect Michael Penix Jr. & Co. to make a nice impression in Friday's exhibition against the Miami Dolphins. Read more below.

Jeremy Jones - Betting Analyst at Covers
Jeremy Jones • Betting Analyst
Aug 8, 2024 • 12:51 ET • 4 min read
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This article contains predictions for an old game!

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Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta Falcons NFL
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Week 1 of the NFL preseason continues on Friday night with a matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins.

One side boasts a new coaching staff and quarterback looking to make a quick turnaround, while the other is looking to continue their run as a Super Bowl contender.

Let’s get into our best Falcons vs. Dolphins predictions and NFL picks for August 9.

Falcons vs Dolphins prediction

My best bet
Falcons -2.5 (-115 at DraftKings)

My analysis

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris has stated that we will not see much, if any, of quarterback Kirk Cousins this preseason. Morris did mention we would get a good look at rookie Michael Penix Jr., so I expect to see him start this game and likely play most of the first half before giving way to Taylor Heinicke and Nathan Rourke.

Meanwhile, Miami Dolphins HC Mike McDaniels said he does not plan to deviate from his past decision of resting starters, meaning we will see a mix of Mike White and Skylar Thompson under center.

It will be interesting to see how rookie Penix Jr. performs in his first NFL action without superstars like Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts to help him out. The good news is he'll have plenty of veteran presence with Charlie Woerner, Ross Dwelley, and Jordan Thomas alongside him. We may also see some of Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud at wide receiver.

These two teams also faced off in Week 1 of last year’s preseason, with the Falcons winning 19-3 and most of the scoring taking place in the fourth quarter. Both White and Thompson struggled in that game despite strong performances from their running backs.

I believe the Falcons have even more talent heading into this matchup compared to last year, and I expect them to win again in a similar fashion.

Falcons vs Dolphins odds

Falcons vs Dolphins live odds

Falcons vs Dolphins opening odds

  • Spread: Atlanta -2.5 (-110) | Miami +2.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Atlanta -140 | Miami +115
  • Over/Under: Over 36.5 (-110) | Under 36.5 (-110)

Falcons vs Dolphins betting trend to know

The Falcons have won each of their last two Week 1 preseason games, while the Dolphins have allowed an average of 21.5 points in their last two openers. Find more NFL betting trends for Falcons vs Dolphins.

Falcons vs Dolphins game info

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, FL
Date: Friday, August 9, 2024
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: NFL Network

Falcons vs Dolphins weather

Monitor gametime conditions with our live NFL weather info and learn how weather impacts NFL betting.

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Jeremy Jones - Covers
Betting Analyst

Jeremy Jones was born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky and has been a massive Wildcats fans since the moment he came into the world. He wrote his first sports article at the tender age of 11 after attending a local AHL hockey game, and a few years later was writing professionally for sites such as Sports Rants, BetAmerica, and TwinSpires.

Jeremy holds a Masters in Sports Administration from Eastern Kentucky University and utilizes all seven betting options available in Kentucky to shop for odds and promos and find the greatest EV in every wager he places.

His best piece of sports betting advice is to stick to consistent unit sizes for every wager. He acknowledges there will occasionally be a bet that has a huge EV and you can play multiple units in one bet, but cautions against raising your unit size, because you can quickly lose all your winnings if you hit a minor cold streak.

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