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The post Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Predictions – Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans Props + Under and Spread appeared first on SportsHandle.
The Dolphins will start a rookie quarterback at home on Sunday, which directly shapes the spread, the total, and several player props in these Buccaneers vs. Dolphins predictions for NFL Week 17 football.
| Date | December 28 |
| Best Bet | Under 45.5 Total Points |
| Expert Prediction | Tampa Bay Buccaneers -5.5 |
| Player Prop Pick | Baker Mayfield Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns |
| Alternative Prop Prediction | Mike Evans Anytime Touchdown |
| Bet Now | ^^ Bet on FanDuel^^ |
*These suggestions are based on football game analysis, but sports results remain unpredictable.
Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Predictions – NFL Week 17 Sunday
Tampa Bay enters this Sunday’s game at 7-8 with its playoff path still open. A loss combined with a Panthers win would end the Buccaneers’ season, while two straight wins would clinch the NFC South. Miami is already eliminated at 6-9 and will again start rookie Quinn Ewers after benching Tua Tagovailoa. That quarterback decision defines this game script and most of the best bets.
The Buccaneers hold a 7-5 edge in the all-time series and bring a veteran defense that should test a young passer. Antoine Winfield Jr. anchors a secondary that excels at limiting explosive plays. Tampa Bay’s offense remains functional even with injuries. Chris Godwin Jr. is out, while Mike Evans and Tristan Wirfs are being monitored after limited practice. Miami’s defense ranks 22nd in points allowed and just gave up 45 points last week. De’Von Achane remains efficient on the ground, but sustained drives may be difficult without stable quarterback play.
Under 45.5 Total Points
This total leans high given the likely pace. Rookie quarterbacks often struggle to convert third downs and extend drives, especially against disciplined defenses. Miami may lean on the run game to protect Ewers, which shortens the game and limits possessions. Tampa Bay does not need to push tempo. A controlled approach keeps this total in range.
The Buccaneers also have little incentive to chase points early. They can rely on field position, defense, and clock management. Unless Miami produces short fields or defensive scores, the under remains the strongest of the prop bets and overall picks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Cover the Spread -5.5
The spread reflects the quarterback gap accurately. Baker Mayfield has shown he can manage games without forcing throws. He protects the ball and converts in the red zone. Quinn Ewers is still adjusting to NFL speed and coverages, which increases turnover risk.
Tampa Bay is 4-4 on the road, while Miami sits at 4-4 at home. Motivation also matters here. The Buccaneers face a must-win situation, while the Dolphins are playing out the schedule. That edge supports Tampa Bay covering this number as one of the best bets on the board.
Baker Mayfield Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
Mayfield benefits from a favorable red-zone setup in this matchup. Miami’s defense struggles against play action and tight spacing near the goal line. Even if Tampa Bay leans on the run between the 20s, passing efficiency spikes inside the red zone.
This is one of the cleaner player props available. Tampa does not need explosive plays, just efficient drives. Two passing touchdowns are a reasonable expectation if the Buccaneers control the game flow.
Mike Evans Anytime Touchdown Scorer
Evans remains Mayfield’s primary scoring option. His size and route timing make him difficult to defend near the end zone. Miami’s secondary may also deal with short fields if turnovers occur, which boosts touchdown equity.
Among all prop bets in this matchup, this one aligns best with Tampa Bay’s scoring profile. Evans continues to convert targets into touchdowns, making this a strong addition to Sunday NFL picks.
The post Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Predictions – Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans Props + Under and Spread appeared first on SportsHandle.
