If the Tampa Bay Buccaneers do indeed care about making the playoffs, they might want to start showing that desperation on the field.
After dropping a 23-20 decision to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, miraculously, the 7-8 Bucs still control their own destiny.
My early Buccaneers vs. Dolphins predictions and NFL picks have Tampa dismantling a team with nothing to play for on Sunday, December 28.
Buccaneers vs Dolphins predictions
Here are our early thoughts on the spread and total for this week’s game. We will have a full game preview (with a best bet and SGP) later in the week.
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Early Buccaneers vs Dolphins spread pick: Buccaneers -4.5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the textbook definition of “staggering down the stretch” come to life.
A team that was once 6-2, Tampa has dropped six of its last seven to fall out of the top spot in the NFC South, including Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the upstart Carolina Panthers.
The Bucs have lost three in a row – all to division opponents – and have held a second-half lead in each, but have been unable to land the plane.
If there is a silver lining, it’s that the Buccaneers are healthy on offense for the first time this season.
Baker Mayfield needs to improve. He threw an interception for the third straight game, this one to seal the deal against the Panthers. But it was a misread on both parts of the pass, as Mayfield threw an out when Evans broke inward.
If there is a get-right opponent available, it’s the Miami Dolphins, who were crushed 45-21 by the Bengals in Week 16.
Miami shut down Tua Tagovailoa for the year and is seeing what it has with seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers.
Ewers threw for 260 yards and two interceptions against Cincy, so the Tampa defense – a struggling unit now surrendering 25.1 points per game - should also own an advantage here.
I’d advise staying away here, but if you did have to bet the spread, take the team with something to play for.
Early Buccaneers vs Dolphins total pick: Under 46.5
Consider this a combination of Miami’s offense being steered by a rookie and Tampa’s being unable to find the mark.
Together, this has the makings of a tough watch and a painful exercise in hoping both sides put up points.
The Bucs have scored 20 points or fewer in four of their last five games, hitting the Under in three of those contests.
Even before Ewers’ outing, Miami was struggling to score, but the beat goes on. Including today’s defeat against the Bengals, the Dolphins have now scored 21 points or fewer in five straight games.
Buccaneers vs Dolphins odds
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins spread: Dolphins +4.5
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins moneyline: Buccaneers -240, Dolphins +198
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Over/Under: 46.5
How to watch Buccaneers vs Dolphins
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins matchup
- Date: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 1:00 p.m. ET
- City: Miami Gardens, FL
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium
- TV: FOX
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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