- Matchup: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Miami Dolphins
- Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- Broadcast: FOX
- Point Spread: Dolphins (+5.5)
- Over/Under Total: 46
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The Miami Dolphins, currently at 6-9, are set to battle the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who hold a 7-8 record, at Hard Rock Stadium on Sunday. The Dolphins begin as 5.5-point underdogs according to betting lines. The total for the game stands at 46.
The Buccaneers enter the matchup with a 7-8 overall record. In their latest appearance, Tampa Bay faced off against the Carolina Panthers, suffering a loss with a final score of 23-20. Quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 18 of 26 passes, amassing 145 yards and 1 touchdown, concluding the game with a QB rating of 79.8 and one interception. Running back Bucky Irving led the rushing attack with 19 carries for 71 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. Wide receiver Mike Evans recorded 31 yards on 5 receptions, averaging 6.2 yards per catch. The Buccaneers executed 33 rushing plays and gathered a total of 169 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry across 59 plays for 296 total yards. Defensively, Tampa Bay allowed 21 completions on 32 attempts for 174 yards, yielding a 65.6% completion rate. They conceded 101 yards on the ground from 20 carries, averaging 5.1 yards per rush.
This season, the Buccaneers have compiled 4,729 total yards and 148 first downs while incurring 84 penalties for 647 yards. Scoring-wise, Tampa Bay has achieved 23 passing touchdowns and 13 rushing touchdowns, with a total of 12 turnovers (8 interceptions and 4 fumbles). Their rushing attack averages 116.9 yards per game, ranking them 20th in the league. On average, Tampa Bay scores 23.1 points per game.
When it comes to defense, the Buccaneers rank 24th overall, allowing 25.1 points per game. They give up an average of 4.3 yards per rush and 101.3 rushing yards per game. In terms of passing defense, they’ve surrendered 3,630 passing yards, placing them 27th in the NFL. Tampa Bay allows an average of 242.0 passing yards per game, with a completion rate against of 66.7%. Overall, they concede 343.3 yards per game and have allowed 26 passing touchdowns and 16 rushing touchdowns, totaling 1,520 rushing yards over 15 games played this season.
The Dolphins enter this contest with a record of 6-9 for the season. In their last game, the Dolphins faced a defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing 45-21. Quarterback Quinn Ewers threw for 260 yards on 20 of 30 passing, earning a QB rating of 66 with 2 interceptions and an average of 8.7 yards per attempt. Running back De’Von Achane had a notable performance, rushing 15 times for 81 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle led the receiving corps, catching 5 passes for 72 yards (14.4 yards per catch). Miami’s rushing attack managed 4.6 yards per carry, totaling 129 yards on 28 attempts, for a combined offensive output of 389 yards across 58 plays (6.7 yards per play). Defensively, the Dolphins allowed a 78.8% completion percentage, yielding 302 yards through the air from 26 of 33 attempts. They conceded 105 yards on the ground from 26 rushes (4.0 yards per carry).
Regarding scoring, the Dolphins rank 22nd in the NFL, averaging 21.1 points per game. This season, they have accumulated 2,798 passing yards and an average of 186.5 passing yards per game, placing them 25th in the league. They average 122.4 rushing yards per game, totaling 1,836 rushing yards this season. Miami’s offense yields 308.9 total yards per game, putting them 24th in the league. They have incurred 84 penalties for 682 yards, ranking 29th in the league and helping their opponents. Overall, the Dolphins have committed 17 turnovers, including 12 interceptions and 5 fumbles, while managing to achieve 161 first downs as a team.
Defensively, the Dolphins have allowed 26 passing touchdowns and an average of 209.1 passing yards per game, ranking them 15th in the league. They have surrendered a total of 1,955 rushing yards (130.3 rushing yards per game) and 14 rushing touchdowns this season. Their defense has recorded 17 takeaways, comprising 10 forced fumbles and 7 interceptions. In total, they have allowed 369 points. Miami’s defensive unit has participated in 904 plays from scrimmage, ranking them 12th overall in the league. The Dolphins allow an average of 24.6 points per game, which ranks them 22nd in the NFL.
Who will emerge victorious in this Buccaneers-Dolphins matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Back the Buccaneers -5.5
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