Sunday’s bundle of Week 16 NFL games are officially in the books, meaning that fans are now turning their attention to an exciting Monday Night Football contest. This week’s game features a collision between a pair of looking to keep their playoff hopes alive as the Miami Dolphins (7-7) travel to face the New Orleans Saints (7-7). Both teams will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about as the season winds down, which should make for some entertaining football action.
Keeping that in mind, there’s a lot to take account of before tonight’s Monday Night Football clash, so continue reading this guide for the betting odds heading into the matchup — with odds courtesy of BetOnline.
Dolphins vs Saints General Information and Statistics
Tonight’s game will be held at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Bears currently have a home record of 2-4. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. EST and the contest itself can be viewed on ESPN and other streaming platforms around the world.
The Dolphins are currently averaging 20.4 points per game, which is the 12th-worst average in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Saints are averaging 22.4 PPG — the 17th-best average. Defensively, Miami is allowing 22.4 PPG (18th) while New Orleans is surrendering 20.4 PPG (T-4th).
Monday Night Football: Dolphins vs Saints Odds
Odds via BetOnline as of Monday, December 27
- Miami Dolphins (7-7) vs New Orleans Saints (7-7)
- Moneyline: Dolphins (-172) vs Saints (+152)
- Spread: Dolphins -3.0 (-115) vs Saints +3.0 (-105)
- Total: 37.0 — Over (-115), Under (-105)
- Head-to-Head: The Saints are 4-2 against the Dolphins in their last six matchups.
A complete list of odds and prop markets is available at BetOnline.ag.
Dolphins Look to Extend Streak
Not only will the Dolphins enter Week 16’s Monday Night Football matchup as the -172, but they’ll also do so as one of the hotter teams in the NFL. After starting the year 1-7, the Dolphins have won their last six games in a row. Even though they haven’t defeated the toughest teams over that stretch, they’ll need a win over the Saints to keep their playoff hopes alive.
One way that the Dolphins can continue their winning ways is by keeping up their newly improve defense. Over its last six games, Miami has allowed just 13.2 points per contest, which is tied for the best average in the NFL over that stretch. With 2021 NFL Draft fourth-round pick Ian Book starting under center for the Saints, the Dolphins have a good opportunity for their defense to lead by example.
When it comes to the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins will be without Albert Wilson, who landed in COVID-19 protocol. The good news is that rookie wideout Jayden Waddle will be back from his own stint on the COVID list, which should help bolster the offense. After all, he does have 849 receiving yards and four touchdowns on the season. With BetOnline setting the total to a low 37, Miami will need all the offensive help they can get for Monday Night Football.
Monday Night Football: Odds Against the Saints
With +152 odds to win, the Saints enter their Week 16 matchup as the slight underdog. A big part of that could be the fact that Book is starting for them. The 23-year-old hasn’t played a meaningful football game since he started 12 games for Notre Dame in 2020, finishing with 2,830 passing yards and 15 touchdowns to three interceptions. While he was expected to be New Orleans’s starting quarterback one day, it remains to be seen if he can pull it off now.
Meanwhile, the Saints are currently on a two-game winning streak after losing five in a row. Even at 7-7, New Orleans’ playoff hopes are still alive in the NFC, with the Dolphins being the toughest remaining team on the schedule.
Considering how New Orleans defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 9-0, last week, it’ll be interesting to see if its defense can shut down Miami. The Saints’ defensive unit is averaging just 12 points against over their last three games, so only time will tell if that continues after Monday Night Football.
