With the Dolphins losing three straight games and looking the defending champions in the face, it was likely that Miami would be heavy underdogs in Week 5.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, the line for the game opened with the Dolphins as 10.5-point underdogs. However, it has shifted to put Brian Flores’ team down just 9.5 points. The money line still leans heavily towards Tampa Bay, but their odds of victory have moved from -540 to -475.
The over/under in this game has remained stagnant at 47.5.
The most likely reasoning for these changes is the Buccaneers’ injury situation in their secondary. Sean Murphy-Bunting has been on injured reserve since their season opener, Jamel Dean missed the last two games, Antoine Winfield Jr. has a concussion keeping him out of practice, and Carlton Davis was placed on injured reserve on Thursday.
To say Todd Bowles’ secondary is thin would be an understatement. Richard Sherman was thrust into playing a significant role last week against New England after being on the team for just a few days.
Having fewer options will make their pass rush that much more important, and, while they are one of the better units in the league, they can’t guarantee they’ll get home every time.
The game has gotten a bit more interesting as the week has gone on.
