The Miami Dolphins’ star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, will be absent from Sunday’s wild-card game against the Buffalo Bills. This absence has resulted in the betting line for this match increasing to historic levels with Buffalo now favored as 13.5-point favorites.
These two teams have been in an epic Week 15 showdown but with Tagovailoa healthy for Miami. The Bills had an early lead and capitalize on the first two quarters. However, the Fins surged back in the third period and scored 13 points while pushing the Bills to a scoreless quarter. Unfortunately, the Bills still outclassed them in the final period and secure the 32-29 victory.
The fact that Miami is missing their starting quarterback is certainly the biggest blow that they can take heading to the playoffs, against a healthy powerhouse team. But noting is certain it is all done. Let’s see how the Fins and Bills perform.
Dolphins at Bills in Wild Card Odds/Game lines
| Via FanDuel Sportsbook | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| MIA Dolphins | +13.5 (-110) | Over 43.5 (-110) | +560 |
| BUF Bills | -13.5 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-110) | -800 |
| Will there be Overtime? | Yes +1550 | No -3500 |
| Via DraftKings Sportsbook | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| MIA Dolphins | +13.5 (-110) | Over 43.5 (-110) | +265 |
| BUF Bills | -13.5 (-110) | Under 43.5 (-110) | -320 |
| 3-way 1st Score Method | TD -165 | FG +120 | Safety +3000 |
Note: NFL betting odds may change depending on updates and you may find more betting markets as you visit legal sportsbooks.
Dolphins Quarterback for Wild Card Round
The Miami Dolphins’ playoff dream will not be realized with their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, under center. Head coach Mike McDaniel announced Wednesday that Tagovailoa will remain in the league’s concussion protocol and has been ruled out for the Dolphins’ Super Wild Card weekend matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
“As of today, Tua has not been cleared by doctors to resume football activities on the field with his teammates, so because of that and because of the time that he’s missed, I can rule him out for Sunday,”
With veteran Teddy Bridgewater still recovering from a finger injury sustained in Week 17 versus the Patriots, it appears to be Skylar Thompson’s chance to shine during his rookie year. The Dolphins are preparing as if the young quarterback will be their starter come Sunday, fueling an already electric atmosphere surrounding their first post-season appearance in 17 years.
“His biggest thing is that he knew he had to be in a position where he had to be fully functional on Sunday, that took some strain, and just some guts and work ethic,” Coach McDaniel said about Bridgewater. “That’s not an easy thing to do, and as it stands right now, he’s working to prepare himself to be capable on Sunday. But as a result of that, he can’t afford any setbacks or really anything that’s conflicting against the healing process in the week.”
“As a result, we will be approaching the game today, the Wednesday game, as Skylar Thompson as our starting quarterback.”