Patriots vs. Dolphins Week 5 Betting Preview. Beckham Jr to make Dolphins debut?

After a surprising Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, the New England Patriots have since struggled to meet expectations. With each passing week, the Patriots’ offense has regressed, culminating in a heavy defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4.

Rhamondre Stevenson has had issues with ball security, and no wide receiver on the Patriots’ roster has emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Mac Jones.

The Miami Dolphins have faced similar challenges, primarily due to the injury to their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Since his injury, the Dolphins’ offense has been lackluster, failing to score a single touchdown in their Week 4 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

Both teams are riding three-game losing streaks, making this Week 5 matchup critical for both sides.

Patriots vs. Dolphins Odds, Moneyline, and Over/Under

The Patriots are favored to win, according to BetOnline’s latest NFL odds:

• Spread: Patriots (-1)
• Moneyline: TBC
• Over/Under: 36.5

Miami’s offensive struggles are primarily due to uncertainty at the quarterback position. Since Tagovailoa’s concussion in Week 2, the Dolphins have been unable to find offensive rhythm, as evidenced by their inability to score against the Titans.

The Patriots, while not in a better situation offensively, have shown signs of resilience. However, Miami’s overall roster depth might give them an edge despite their offensive issues.

Game Analysis

The Dolphins’ offense has struggled without Tagovailoa, and the team’s recent performances have demonstrated how essential he is to their success. Since his injury, the Dolphins haven’t secured a win, and their loss to Tennessee in Week 4 was particularly concerning.

This game is expected to be a low-scoring affair, but Miami’s offensive struggles, especially on the road, put them at a disadvantage.

On the Patriots’ side, the offense has been far from impressive. Both teams are dealing with significant issues, and this matchup is unlikely to be a high-scoring or particularly exciting game. Miami has found it difficult to move the ball, and that is expected to continue against New England.

Series History

This will be the 118th meeting between the Dolphins and Patriots, with Miami holding a 62-55 advantage in the rivalry that spans 58 years. Miami has also won six of the last seven matchups against New England.

Key Injuries

The Dolphins are likely to be without two starting linebackers, Jaelan Phillips (knee) and David Long Jr. (hamstring), who were injured in the loss to the Titans. However, there’s a chance that key players such as Terron Armstead and Kendall Fuller could return from concussion protocol. Additionally, Odell Beckham Jr. might make his Dolphins debut, as he is eligible to return from injured reserve this week.

For the Patriots, the offensive line is a major concern. They were down to their fourth-string left tackle, Demontrey Jacobs, against the 49ers. More troubling is the situation at center, where David Andrews will require season-ending shoulder surgery. Nick Leverett is expected to start in Andrews’ place this week, further complicating the Patriots’ offensive struggles.

Both teams are in desperate need of a win to snap their losing streaks, but given the injury concerns and offensive limitations, it’s shaping up to be a tough battle for both sides.