Los Angeles Rams vs Miami Dolphins Odds, Lines, and Spread

• Tua Tagovailoa set to make NFL debut as Miami Dolphins host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday as betting underdogs
• Dolphins return from bye week well-rested and riding a two-game win streak, while Rams have averaged 33 points per game in three East Coast games this season
• We’ve got you covered with all the odds and trends ahead of Sunday afternoon’s Week 8 clash at Hard Rock Stadium

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Tua Tagovailoa will make his highly anticipated debut as an NFL starting quarterback when the Miami Dolphins play host to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday afternoon as 3.5-point underdogs in the NFL Week 8 odds. While the risk of inclement weather has been a concern as the week has progressed, the weather forecast has shown steady improvement. Rain remains a possibility in Miami on Sunday, but is now expected to be less of a factor when these two teams hit the gridiron for a 1pm ET start at Hard Rock Stadium.

Los Angeles Rams vs Miami Dolphins Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline Odds	Total
Los Angeles Rams	-3.5 (-110)	-195	O 45.5 (-112)
Miami Dolphins	+3.5 (-110)	+165	U 45.5 (-109)

*Odds from DraftKings taken on 10/31/2020.

The betting line in this contest has remained largely steady this week. The Rams opened favored by 3.5, with some sportsbooks pegging them as 3-point chalk. There has been virtually no movement on the total in this clash of defensive-minded squads, which has also held steady since opening at 45.5. However, with the weather showing improvement as the calendar turned to Halloween Day, the possibility of a bump in that number exists in the hours leading up to game time.

Rested Dolphins Ready For Tua Time

Fresh off a bye in Week 7, the Dolphins return to action well-rested and largely in good health. Miami entered its bye on a high, following up a decisive 43-17 upset win in San Francisco with a  24-0 rout of the New York Jets as heavy 8.5-point home chalk two weeks ago.

#Dolphins up 24-0 on Jets, but it feels like a bit of a letdown the way the offense has fizzled after not start. 0-8 on 3rd down. Fitzpatrick with some ugly throws/decisions.

— His Dudeness (@ATLGreg1) October 18, 2020

That  offensive production has helped lift the Dolphins into second place in the AFC East standings, and just shy of the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC, but was not enough to save veteran passer Ryan Fitzpatrick’s job as Miami’s starter. However, with talented but untested Tua Tagovailoa taking over under center, it is far from certain the Miami offense will be able to maintain the steady scoring pace that has produced just under 30 points per game over their past five outings.

Can Tua Overcome Vaunted Rams Defense?

Complicating matters further for the Dolphins is a ferocious Rams’ defense that will be eager to spoil Tua’s debut. With two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald leading the way, the Rams’ pass defense ranks third in the league with 24 sacks. The uncertain status of top receiver DeVante Parker is also a concern. Already faced with the prospect of countering an effective Rams secondary led by cornerback Jalen Ramsey, Parker has been battling a groin injury, but is expected to be available on Sunday afternoon.

Aaron Donald among DTs:
🔹 36 total pressures (1st)
🔹 90.5 PFF Grade (2nd)
🔹 90.8 Pass-Rush Grade (2nd) pic.twitter.com/HVd36zNaza

— PFF (@PFF) October 26, 2020

While Tua’s performance in his debut remains a huge wild card, the Dolphins’ defense does not. Miami has shown steady improvement as the season has progressed, surrendering 17 or fewer points in three of their past four outings. That has contributed to a consistent 3-1 run for the OVER, steady payouts for sports bettors banking on Miami against the spread, with the Dolphins going 4-1 ATS since opening the season with a dismal 21-11 loss in New England.

The Dolphins have also enjoyed historical success against the Rams, winning outright in 10 of 11 meetings since 1980, and surrendering just 10.4 points per game in five straight home wins over that stretch. However, extending that trend against Los Angeles presents a massive challenge.

Rams Feast On East Coast Opponents

The Rams handed the Chicago Bears their first defeat of the season in a 24-10 win last week on Monday Night Football, and easily covered as 6.5-point favorites. But while Los Angeles returns to action after a short week of rest and a long journey to Miami, neither should be a huge factor.

FYI
Early kickoffs on the East Coast for a team from the West Coast usually favor the home team. Since 2017, the Rams are 5-0 in such games, scoring at least 30 points in each one. They’ve outscored their opponents 185-89 in those contests, with only one being within 10 points.

— Scott (@BellCowBack) October 28, 2020

Los Angeles has already seen plenty of action in early East Coast games this season, with plenty of success. The Rams averaged 33 points in their recent visits to Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Washington, recording crushing wins over the Eagles and the Football Team while falling just short in a heartbreaking loss to Buffalo.

Expect a Tight, Low-Scoring Contest

Duplicating those offensive efforts against a rapidly improving Dolphins defense may be a hill to climb. However, the Rams’ second-ranked defense is well positioned to rise to the occasion. Handicapping a game featuring the debut of a promising young quarterback is risky business, but with both these teams’ defenses clicking, expect yet another low-scoring clash when the Rams and Dolphins meet this weekend for the first time in eight years.

Best Bet: UNDER 45.5 (-109)

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