Expert prediction
NFL Week 17: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins Preview, Odds, Picks (Dec 28)
- Nikola Velickovic
- Dec 23, 2025 at 4:16 PM EST
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Buccaneers vs. Dolphins odds favor Tampa Bay by 5.5 points.
- The Buccaneers are 0-7 ATS in the last 7 games.
- Tua Tagovailoa is benched and won’t play.
This is a game the Bucs have to win to stay in pursuit of the Panthers and the top spot in the NFC South. If they fail, that would significantly reduce Tampa Bay’s playoff chances.
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How to Watch
- When: Sunday, December 28, 1 pm ET
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
- How to Watch: FOX
Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Odds
Game Preview
Tampa Bay has a 1-6 record in its last 7 games and went from a team that was pretty much certain to make the playoffs to now facing elimination. The Panthers beat them last weekend in Charlotte, 23-20, which further complicates their position.
Baker couldn’t fire up the offense, and with just 145 passing yards, 1 TD, and 1 interception, he was the main reason his team lost. Mayfield’s decline in form is evident, and he hasn’t been able to get back on track for the past few weeks.
Introducing Tampa Bay's 2026 Pro Bowlers 👏 pic.twitter.com/JIxoBCMnAA
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 23, 2025
The Fins are out of the playoffs, and they decided to keep Tua on the bench to protect him from potential injuries. The team lost the past two events, one in Pittsburgh, 28-15, and then at home to the Bengals, 45-21.
Quinn Ewers replaced him, posting two interceptions with 260 passing yards. The run game provided all three of their touchdowns, but that simply wasn’t enough against the terrible defense.
Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Head to Head
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have 7 wins so far, and the Dolphins have 5, after 12 games.
Buccaneers vs. Dolphins Predictions
Tampa Bay is in a must-win situation here, and since Tua isn’t playing, anything other than the Buccaneers’ triumph here would be a huge surprise.
- Free NFL Picks: Buccaneers -5.5
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