Cardinals vs. Dolphins NFL Week 8: Predictions and best bets

Dolphins games have been difficult to watch this season. Since Week 2, Miami has scored 10 points per game with a 1-4 record.

Coach Mike McDaniel announced that QB Tua Tagovailoa is back in the lineup, so there’s finally a reason to tune back in.

The Cardinals enter Week 8 fresh off a gutsy primetime win over the Chargers. Arizona and Miami are out of the playoffs, and a win on Sunday could see them move up the standings.

Read on to see my picks and expert predictions for Cardinals versus Dolphins.

Cardinals vs Dolphins predictions and best bets

• Dolphins -4.5: -105 odds at bet365
• First half below 22.5: -102 odds at DraftKings

Miami is a dismal 1-5 against the spread, according to TeamRankings. With Tua’s return, I predict the trend will change on Sunday afternoon.

However, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offense may not get off to a good start because Tua hasn’t played in over a month. It’s hard to imagine he’ll be the same early in the game, so I’m betting the first half will be down.

Miami’s standout WR corps has been quiet with Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle under center. The trio has only thrown one touchdown.

No one is happier to have Tagovailoa back than WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

Hill and Waddle have combined for 65 yards per game since Week 2. The pair had 239 yards and two touchdowns in Tua’s only complete game.

The Cardinals defense has been porous, allowing 25 points and 237 passing yards per week. It’s a tough spot for Arizona to travel across the country and start the game at 1 pm EDT.

Cardinals vs. Dolphins Moneyline Odds Analysis

Why the Dolphins could win as favorites

Best Odds: -205 on DraftKings

Despite the lack of offensive production, Miami’s defense has been solid. The Dolphins have allowed 16 points or fewer in consecutive weeks and lead the league in passing yards allowed.

Miami needs to be prepared to stop the run. Arizona gets the third-most rushing yards per game and loves to hit the rock with RB James Conner and QB Kyler Murray.

If it’s a high-scoring game, the Dolphins’ offense will be up to the task. In addition to Hill and Waddle, Miami has a stellar trio of running backs with De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright and Raheem Mostert.

Why the Cardinals could win as underdogs

Best Odds: +180 at BetMGM

Facing a fully-equipped Dolphins offense is a daunting proposition. Things get worse for the Cardinals when you see that Arizona ranks in the bottom seven in the NFL against the pass and rush.

The over/under is in the 40s, so bettors expect to score. If Tua starts connecting with Hill and Waddle, the Cardinals’ offense should be prepared to answer the bell.

Murray gaining yards on the ground would be a huge boost. He has had over 60 rushing yards and a touchdown in two of the last three games.

At some point, Arizona needs to find a way to create plays for WR Marvin Harrison Jr. The No. 1 WR selected in the 2024 NFL Draft has been limited to under 65 yards in all but one game.

Fortunately, Trey McBride has become a reliable option for Murray. McBride ranks fourth in TE receiving yards.