All the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins want for Christmas is to make the playoffs. Both will have the chance to take one step closer to making the postseason on Christmas Day. The Packers must win out while the Dolphins need two more wins.
Green Bay, which is 2-5 in away games, is looking to conquer its road woes. Miami has lost three consecutive games and is 1-2 against the spread (ATS) during the losing streak. Which team will keep its playoff hopes alive?
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Packers vs Dolphins. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 16 picks for you to consider.
Packers vs Dolphins Betting Lines
Green Bay’s Defense Improving
After a 1-7 stretch, the Green Bay Packers are finally finding success. They have won two consecutive games while going 2-0 ATS. Visiting the Dolphins will be a much greater challenge compared to the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams.
In the last two games, the defense has improved, holding opponents to 15.5 points per game. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell’s return from injury has certainly helped. The front seven dominated in Week 15 against the Rams with five sacks and nine QB hits. Rookie linebacker Quay Walker was a standout with five tackles, one sack, two passes defended and a forced fumble. Plus, rookie defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt had his best game of the season.
Green Bay needs another big performance from its defense, as the Dolphins rank ninth in points per game and fifth in yards per game. In particular, cornerback Jaire Alexander must step up. He has been inconsistent most of the season and will face one of the NFL’s best wide-receiver duos.
Starting tackle David Bakhtiari is the only notable questionable Packer. The former All-Pro has become a shell of himself due to an ACL tear in the 2020 season.
Miami May Lean on the Run
Following three straight losses, the Miami Dolphins hold the AFC’s No. 7 seed. To comfortably make the postseason, Miami must find two wins in the final three games against the Packers, New England Patriots and New York Giants. The sportsbook lists the Dolphins making the playoffs at -285.
Miami is happy to be home, where it is 5-1 and 4-2 ATS. In fact, the last three losses came on a road trip. In their last two home games, the Dolphins are averaging 34.5 points.
The 32-29 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 was a heartbreaker. However, Miami made a lot of good progress, specifically in the run game. Buffalo ranks sixth in run defense and the Dolphins totaled 188 rushing yards on 7.5 yards per carry. Raheem Mostert was the star of the show with 156 scrimmage yards.
raheem mostert, beast mode pic.twitter.com/4Ba6B7IK4L
— josh houtz (@houtz) December 19, 2022
The Packers rank 29th in allowed rushing yards per game. Miami is a pass-first team, as it attempts only 22.4 runs per game (31st). However, that could change on Sunday against a weak run defense.
The Dolphins have several questionable players: safety Jevon Holland (neck), offensive tackle Terron Armstead (toe), and Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip).
Packers vs Dolphins Game Injuries
Packers vs Dolphins Head-to-Head
Over the last five meetings, the Packers are 4-1 and 3-1 ATS in the last four. Miami is 0-2 outright and ATS in its last two home games against Green Bay.
Packers vs Dolphins Game Information
- Game: Packers vs Dolphins
- Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 25, 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL
- How to watch Packers vs Dolphins?: FOX
Packers vs Dolphins Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Packers vs Dolphins Game Weather Conditions
The forecast calls for a high of 55°F with a 72% chance of rain. The wind won’t be a problem in Hard Rock Stadium. Considering the winter storm that’s rocking the country, you can’t complain about some rain and the mid-50s.
Packers vs Dolphins Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Dolphins 31, Packers 24
- Worth Betting on the Moneyline?
Miami is -200 on the moneyline. The totals, ATS and prop bets offer more profit. For example, running back Mostert, who comes off 136 rushing yards, going over his projected rushing yard total against a bottom-five run defense is a good prop option.
- Worth Betting ATS?
Green Bay has shown hope in its last two games. The Packers have scored at least 24 points in four of the last five games while Miami ranks 26th in allowed points per game. Despite recent defensive improvements, Green Bay cannot stop the Dolphins’ offense.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill ranks second with 1,529 receiving yards, and Jaylen Waddle comes off a 114-yard outing. Good luck stopping these two – pick your poison. Plus, Green Bay’s top CB Alexander has been too streaky. Along with an improved run game, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked back to normal last week with a 104 passer rating. Take Miami to cover, taking its home ATS record to 5-2.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The Packers have gone over in four of the last five games, and the Dolphins have gone over in five of the last seven. As discussed, Miami’s offense should have plenty of success against Green Bay’s up-and-down defense.
The Packers’ passing game should also have a big day. The Dolphins rank 27th in allowed passing yards per game, and Green Bay’s rookie wideouts Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are fully healthy.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
