Lions vs. Dolphins Prediction: Week 9 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Nov. 8)

Two weak defenses shape our Lions vs. Dolphins prediction for Nov. 8. We break down the matchup and betting odds before making our best bet and projecting the final score.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) claps his hands as we break down our Lions vs. Dolphins prediction.
Pictured: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) claps his hands as we break down our Lions vs. Dolphins prediction. Photo by Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
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My Lions vs. Dolphins prediction focuses on how Detroit's passing attack can exploit a weak Dolphins secondary and help the Lions score more than 30 points Sunday.

The Dolphins should also find more offensive success than usual, as the Lions are dealing with a slew of defensive injuries at key positions. The Lions are a 6.5-point betting favorite, with kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla., set for 1 p.m. ET (FOX).


Lions vs. Dolphins picks & predictions

See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 9 based on the latest NFL odds.

Pick Odds Bet size
Lions -6.5 -115 via bet365 2 units to profit 1.74 units
Over 50.5 -105 via FanDuel 2.5 units to profit 2.38 units

Picks submitted: Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. ET. Odds subject to change.

Total wagered: 4.5 units | Profit if all picks win: 4.12 units

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Lions vs. Dolphins prediction & best bet

Over 50.5 (-105 via FanDuel)

The Lions have combined for just 39 points in their last two games, but they're still averaging 29.0 points per game, which is the third-most in the league. They also lead the NFL in total offense with 395.4 yards per game, and will finally face a defense that ranks outside the top 10 in points allowed per game for the first time since Week 5. 

The Dolphins rank 17th in total yards allowed per game (334.1), 16th in passing yards allowed per game (221.0), and 16th in rushing yards allowed per game (113.1). However, the Dolphins are still allowing plenty of points, giving up 25.9 per game, which ranks 24th in the NFL. 

Additionally, the Dolphins are allowing 8.3 yards per pass attempt, which is tied for the worst mark in the league. The Lions rank seventh in yards per pass attempt, averaging 7.9 yards per pass. The Lions will break off plenty of chunk plays, as the Dolphins rank 24th in yards allowed per play (5.7) and the Lions rank fifth in yards per play (5.9).

📡 SBR Edge

Both offenses will be able to sustain drives, as these are two of the worst third-down defenses in the league. The Lions rank 27th, allowing opponents to convert 45.83% of the time, and the Dolphins rank 31st, allowing opponents to convert 50.59% of their chances.

Lions' defensive injuries present opportunities for the Dolphins

The Lions will be without leading tackler Jack Campbell - after he suffered a scary injury last week - as well as cornerback DJ Reed and defensive end DJ Wonnum. They also lost linebacker Jimmy Rolder for the season.

The Lions have held back-to-back opponents below 20 points, but with so many injuries, I'm expecting the defense to look more like the unit that allowed at least 24 points in four consecutive games to start the season. Though the Dolphins rank 31st in points per game (16.7), they've scored at least 19 in three consecutive games, reaching at least 24 twice during that span.

Additionally, the Lions' defense still ranks 29th in yards allowed per game (373.1). While the Dolphins are averaging just 290.0 yards per game, they've averaged 320.0 per game over their last three contests.

Play to: Over 54.5 at -110

Score prediction: Lions 41, Dolphins 24


Live Lions vs. Dolphins odds

See the latest odds movement and more on our Lions vs. Dolphins page.

Lions vs. Dolphins opening odds

  • Moneyline: Lions -450 | Dolphins +350
  • Spread: Lions -8.5 (+100) | Dolphins +8.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-110)

Lions vs. Dolphins weather

There's a 58% chance of rain on Sunday, which is something to keep an eye on. However, wind gusts are expected to be just 10 mph, so it's unlikely the weather will have too much of an impact on this game.


Latest Lions vs. Dolphins injuries


How to watch Lions vs. Dolphins: Week 9

  • Date: Sunday, Nov. 8
  • Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
  • Location: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fla.)
  • TV/Streaming: FOX, Fubo