Game Preview of Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Miami Dolphins. Week 17 of 2025 NFL Season
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.
| Date | Opponent | Result | ATS | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-21 | vs CIN | L 21-45 | L -3.5 | o48.5 |
| 2025-12-15 | @ PIT | L 15-28 | L 3.0 | o42.5 |
| 2025-12-07 | @ NYJ | W 34-10 | W +-2.5 | o41.5 |
| 2025-11-30 | vs NO | W 21-17 | W +5.5 | u41.5 |
| 2025-11-16 | vs WAS | W 16-13 | W +2.5 | u47.5 |
| 2025-11-09 | vs BUF | W 30-13 | W +-8.5 | u50.5 |
| 2025-10-30 | vs BAL | L 6-28 | L -7.5 | u51.5 |
| 2025-10-26 | @ ATL | W 34-10 | W +7.0 | u44.5 |
| 2025-10-19 | @ CLE | L 6-31 | L 2.5 | o34.5 |
| 2025-10-12 | vs LAC | L 27-29 | L -3.5 | o45.5 |
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.
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 226 | #24 | 284 | #8 | |
| Total Points Per Game | 20.5 | #24 | 25.8 | #25 | |
| Total Touchdowns | 25 | #22 | 33 | #27 | |
| Passing Touchdowns | 17 | #17 | 19 | #22 | |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 7 | #23 | 12 | #25 | |
| Other Touchdowns | 1 | #10 | 2 | #25 | |
| Total Kicking Points | 74 | #24 | 80 | #19 | |
| Total Two Point Conversions | 1 | #23 | 0 | #21 | |
| Kick Extra Points | 23 | #19 | 32 | #4 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Passing Yards | 2063 | #27 | 2679 | #8 | |
| Net Passing Yards Per Game | 188 | #26 | 244 | #6 | |
| Passer Rating | 87.6 | #21 | 94.8 | #12 | |
| Passing Attempts | 330 | #27 | 375 | #21 | |
| Completions | 225 | #21 | 248 | #11 | |
| Completion Percentage | 68.2 | #8 | 66.1 | #21 | |
| Passing 1st downs | 116 | #20 | 134 | #23 | |
| Passing 1st Down % | 60.7 | #6 | 65.4 | #32 | |
| Longest Pass | 47 | #29 | 72 | #8 | |
| Passing Fumbles Lost | 2 | #24 | 3 | #18 | |
| Receiving Targets | 320 | #25 | 366 | #10 | |
| Receptions | 225 | #21 | 248 | #22 | |
| Receiving Yards After Catch | 1177 | #19 | 1454 | #30 | |
| YAC Average | 5.2 | #12 | 5.9 | #28 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1241 | #19 | 1074 | #9 | |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 113 | #18 | 97.6 | #25 | |
| Rushing Attempts | 260 | #28 | 260 | #4 | |
| Yards Per Rush Attempt | 4.8 | #8 | 4.1 | #19 | |
| Rushing 1st downs | 64 | #26 | 52 | #3 | |
| 20+ Yard Rushing Plays | 10 | #5 | 7 | #13 | |
| Long Rushing | 59 | #13 | 78 | #4 | |
| Rushing Fumbles | 10 | #5 | 7 | #13 | |
| Rushing Fumbles Lost | 1 | #16 | 1 | #21 |