Thursday night in South Florida pits two AFC clubs looking to right the ship. The Dolphins, at home, are trying to build some positive momentum after a needed win. The Ravens, meanwhile, are coming in eager to flip the script on a sluggish start and reclaim their reputation as contenders. With primetime lights, short-week prep and NFL playoff implications creeping up, this one has the makings of a high-stakes early autumn test.
Check out our NFL tips below, and why not sign up to a new betting site to place your bets this weekend!
NFL Week 9 Ravens at Dolphins Betting Tips
Friday, 11.15am (AEDT)
Miami Dolphins
Miami is coming off a strong rebound performance, putting together their most complete outing of the season. The offense scored efficiently, the defense held firm, and special teams played their part in a 34-10 victory that raised some optimism. With that win the Dolphins moved to 2-6, but more importantly they looked like the version of themselves they hoped to be rather than the version they’ve frequently been this season.
Still, questions remain. Consistency has been a serious issue. The Dolphins’ offensive line has struggled in protection, and the run game hasn’t reliably carried the load. On the defensive side, while they held up in the last game, they’ll face a more complex test with the Ravens’ personnel returning. The short week helps with no travel, but the depth and execution metrics suggest they’ll need to be sharp from kickoff if they expect to stay in this one.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has had a rough start with a 2-5 record heading into Week 9, but they just snapped a losing skid with a win, giving them two wins on the season. One of the biggest stories is the anticipated return of quarterback Lamar Jackson from a hamstring injury. The Ravens’ coaching staff has publicly expressed strong confidence he’ll be under center and ready to roll on Thursday, which injects a shot of hope into a franchise that prides itself on elite play.
Of course, the return of Jackson doesn’t erase all their problems. The offense needs to regain rhythm, the defense must stay balanced, and turnovers/penalties have to be cleaned up. Plus, road games (especially Thursday ones) carry their own wrinkle. But the odds (Baltimore opened as a 7.5-point favorite) suggest the league believes this is a breakout spot for the Ravens.
Prediction
Given the dynamics, I lean Baltimore in this one. With Lamar Jackson back and healthy (or at least close enough), the Ravens should re-activate their rushing attack, benefit from favorable matchups against Miami’s interior, and attack a Dolphins offensive line that’s struggled for large chunks of the season. If Jackson can move freely and get into a rhythm, the Ravens have enough to control tempo and win this game.
Miami will not roll over, they’re playing at home, coming off a good win, and will want to prove that performance wasn’t a one-off. But I don’t see them sustaining a high level for four quarters against a Ravens team that could be motivated and better-than-advertised. My pick: Ravens win by somewhere in the 10- to 14-point range, something like 27-16. If Jackson has mobility, that margin could grow even more.
Ravens -7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Player Prop
Derrick Henry 2+ TDs
This one’s got some juice, but it’s absolutely live. Derrick Henry has started to settle into his role in Baltimore’s offense, and this matchup sets up perfectly for him to dominate the red zone. With Lamar Jackson returning from a recent hamstring tweak, expect the Ravens to protect their franchise quarterback by dialing back the number of designed QB runs, especially near the goal line. That likely means more short-yardage carries and red zone touches funneling directly to Henry.
The Dolphins’ defense, while athletic, has struggled to contain power backs, they’ve allowed multiple rushing scores in three of their last five games. Combine that with Baltimore’s tendency to pound the ball in close, and Henry’s physicality becomes the centerpiece of their scoring plan. In a primetime game where the Ravens should control the line of scrimmage, Henry finding the end zone twice feels realistic.
Derrick Henry 2+ TDs
$3.30 (1 Unit)
