NFLGame PreviewsTB VS MIA Preview Week17 28-DEC-2025

Game Preview of Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins. Week 17 of 2025 NFL Season

TB logo

TB

7-8-0
@
28DEC25
01:00pm
MIA logo

MIA

6-9-0
Hard Rock Stadium

Game Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, December 28, at Hard Rock Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:00 PM ET in this Week 17 matchup with big stakes for Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes. The Bucs need a win to stay alive in the NFC South race and are slight favorites on the road.

Baker Mayfield leads a Tampa Bay offense that leans on big plays and Mike Evans’ deep-threat ability. But the offensive line is banged up, with both starting tackles listed as Questionable. That could make a difference against a Miami defense that can bring pressure and create chaos in the backfield.

Miami enters with a strong run game led by De'Von Achane, one of the most explosive backs in the league. If the Dolphins can get him going early, they could challenge a Tampa defense vulnerable in the red zone.

With playoff pressure on one side and injuries on both, this game could swing on a few key plays, especially if Achane or Evans break loose.

Current Season Form

TB logo

TB

Away
Record:7-8-0
ATS:5-10-0
O/U:8-7-0
MIA logo

MIA

Home
Record:6-9-0
ATS:7-8-0
O/U:9-6-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
4-1Winner logo
ATS:5-0-0
O/U:5-0-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-12-21vs CINL 21-45L -3.5o48.5
2025-12-15@ PITL 15-28L 3.0o42.5
2025-12-07@ NYJW 34-10W +-2.5o41.5
2025-11-30vs NOW 21-17W +5.5u41.5
2025-11-16vs WASW 16-13W +2.5u47.5
2025-11-09vs BUFW 30-13W +-8.5u50.5
2025-10-30vs BALL 6-28L -7.5u51.5
2025-10-26@ ATLW 34-10W +7.0u44.5
2025-10-19@ CLEL 6-31L 2.5o34.5
2025-10-12vs LACL 27-29L -3.5o45.5

Key Insights

  • Tampa Bay ranks in the 92nd percentile for big-play touchdown rate, showing they can score quickly when they strike.
  • The Dolphins allow explosive runs at a 6.4% rate, one of the worst marks in the league (3rd percentile).
  • Miami’s offense hits explosive runs at a 6.8% clip, tops in the NFL, led by Achane's speed.
  • The Buccaneers allow touchdowns on 72.2% of opponent red zone trips, 3rd percentile, a glaring weakness.
  • Tampa Bay’s scheme ranks in the 91st percentile for exploiting defensive gaps, a key edge vs. Miami’s shaky third-down defense.
  • Both teams have key starters listed as Questionable, including both of Tampa’s offensive tackles and Miami’s Darren Waller and Benito Jones.

Betting Insights

  • The Buccaneers are 6-point favorites (-115), reflecting their playoff urgency but also accounting for injury risk.
  • The total sits at 46.0, with juice on the Under (-118), suggesting expectations for a slightly lower-scoring game.
  • Baker Mayfield’s passing yard line is set at 240.5; the Over is priced at -119 against a Miami defense prone to big plays.
  • Mike Evans’ receiving yard total is 61.5, with the Over at -118, he remains Mayfield’s top downfield option.
  • De'Von Achane’s rushing line is 74.5 yards (Over -118), and he’s a heavy Anytime TD favorite at -225, reflecting his explosive role.

Final Summary

This Florida clash features two teams heading in different directions. The Buccaneers are fighting for their playoff lives, while the Dolphins are playing for pride and development. Tampa Bay’s offense has been inconsistent, but its big-play ability gives it a shot to cover the spread, if its offensive line holds up.

Miami’s run game is dangerous, and Achane is the kind of back who can flip a game with one carry. But their defense is vulnerable to being schemed, especially on third downs and explosive passes. That’s where Tampa has the edge if Mayfield gets time.

The 6-point spread leans toward the Bucs, but it’s not without risk given their injury report. If both starting tackles miss the game, Miami’s defense could have the upper hand up front.

Still, with playoff pressure on Tampa and a defense that generates turnovers, they have enough weapons to pull away late, just don’t expect it to be easy.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: MIA Offense vs TB Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points226#24284#8TB advantage
Total Points Per Game20.5#2425.8#25MIA advantage
Total Touchdowns25#2233#27MIA advantage
Passing Touchdowns17#1719#22MIA advantage
Rushing Touchdowns7#2312#25MIA advantage
Other Touchdowns1#102#25MIA advantage
Total Kicking Points74#2480#19TB advantage
Total Two Point Conversions1#230#21TB advantage
Kick Extra Points23#1932#4TB advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards2063#272679#8TB advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game188#26244#6TB advantage
Passer Rating87.6#2194.8#12TB advantage
Passing Attempts330#27375#21TB advantage
Completions225#21248#11TB advantage
Completion Percentage68.2#866.1#21MIA advantage
Passing 1st downs116#20134#23MIA advantage
Passing 1st Down %60.7#665.4#32MIA advantage
Longest Pass47#2972#8TB advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost2#243#18TB advantage
Receiving Targets320#25366#10TB advantage
Receptions225#21248#22MIA advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch1177#191454#30MIA advantage
YAC Average5.2#125.9#28MIA advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards1241#191074#9TB advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game113#1897.6#25MIA advantage
Rushing Attempts260#28260#4TB advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt4.8#84.1#19MIA advantage
Rushing 1st downs64#2652#3TB advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays10#57#13MIA advantage
Long Rushing59#1378#4TB advantage
Rushing Fumbles10#57#13MIA advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost1#161#21MIA advantage