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Falcons, Dolphins Search for Much-Needed Win in Week 8
Two struggling teams with very different problems meet Sunday when the Atlanta Falcons host the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Both are desperate for direction — the Falcons fighting to stay relevant in a wide-open NFC, and the Dolphins searching for anything that resembles rhythm after a 1-6 start.
Kickoff is set for Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET on CBS. Atlanta (3-3) enters as a touchdown favorite, aiming to rebound from a frustrating loss in San Francisco. Miami, on the other hand, is on a three-game skid and has yet to win on the road.
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Atlanta Falcons: Staying Grounded
The Falcons’ season has been a roller coaster — capable of beating contenders like Buffalo one week and getting blanked by Carolina the next. Still, their defense has quietly been elite, ranking second in total yards allowed (265.2 per game).
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. remains questionable after suffering a bone bruise against San Francisco, but head coach Raheem Morris believes his group can adapt regardless. “You’re talking about a team with great speed,” Morris said of Miami. “We’ve played tough teams before, but they can strike quick.”
If Penix can’t go, expect a heavier dose of Bijan Robinson, the NFL leader in all-purpose yards (152.3 per game). Robinson’s versatility gives Atlanta a way to attack Miami’s struggling run defense, which ranks last in the league (159.3 yards allowed per game).
Defensively, Atlanta must compensate for the loss of linebacker Divine Deablo, who fractured his forearm last week. Coordinator Jeff Ulbrich expects JD Bertrand to help fill the void. “He’s virtually flawless from an execution standpoint,” Ulbrich said. “We’re lucky to have him.”
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Miami Dolphins: Searching for Identity
The Dolphins’ freefall has been steep. Their latest loss — a 31-6 defeat at Cleveland — marked the third straight game where their offense failed to clear 20 points. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit rock bottom with a career-worst passer rating of 24.1 before being benched for rookie Quinn Ewers.
Still, coach Mike McDaniel remains loyal. “There’s zero uncertainty in my belief in Tua,” McDaniel said. “We both know we’ve got to be better.”
The offense isn’t the only issue. Miami ranks 29th in both scoring defense (29.3 PPG allowed) and rushing yards allowed per carry (5.2). They’ll need to tighten up against Atlanta’s ground game or risk another collapse.
Running back De’Von Achane has been one of Miami’s few bright spots, averaging 5.6 yards per carry with 472 yards on the season. Wideout Jaylen Waddle has emerged as the primary target with Tyreek Hill sidelined, totaling 405 yards and two touchdowns.
McDaniel’s message to his locker room has shifted toward resilience. “You’re not called upon as a leader when there’s high-fives,” he said. “You’re called when it gets tough. That’s what this is.”
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Injury Reports
Miami Dolphins
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Tyreek Hill (WR) | Out | Knee |
| Darren Waller (TE) | Questionable | Pectoral |
| Elijah Campbell (DB) | Questionable | Quadriceps |
| James Daniels (G) | Out | Pectoral |
| Alexander Mattison (RB) | Out | Neck |
| Austin Jackson (OL) | Out | Toe |
| Liam Eichenberg (OL) | Out | Undisclosed |
| Jason Sanders (K) | Out | Hip |
Atlanta Falcons
| Player | Status | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Penix Jr. (QB) | Questionable | Ankle |
| Divine Deablo (LB) | Out | Forearm |
| Jalon Walker (DE) | Questionable | Groin |
| Darnell Mooney (WR) | Questionable | Hamstring |
| Tyler Allgeier (RB) | Questionable | Hip/Knee |
| Mike Ford (CB) | Questionable | Calf |
| Jake Matthews (OT) | Questionable | Ankle |
Betting Insights and Trends
The line opened with Atlanta as a 7-point favorite, and most early money has leaned toward the Falcons at home. Miami’s defense has been a liability all season, but their games consistently trend high-scoring.
- Miami is 6-0 to the Over this season.
- Miami is 3-0 to the Over in road games.
- Atlanta is 4-1 ATS after a loss since 2024.
- Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.
- Miami is 1-6 SU in its last seven overall.
For verified picks and live trends, see the NFL Expert Betting Guide.
Matchup Breakdown
This game will likely hinge on the trenches. If Atlanta can establish Bijan Robinson early, Miami’s defense may struggle to get off the field. The Falcons’ front seven will look to pressure Tua Tagovailoa and force mistakes against a depleted Dolphins offensive line.
If Miami can protect long enough to let Waddle and Achane operate in space, they can keep it competitive. But the Dolphins’ inability to stop the run and their turnover issues could prove costly against a methodical Falcons team built to grind clock and play physical defense.
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Prediction
Atlanta’s defense is simply too disciplined, and its ground game too consistent, for a Miami team in disarray to handle. Expect the Falcons to control tempo and capitalize on turnovers while Bijan Robinson reasserts himself as the league’s most dynamic back.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 28, Miami Dolphins 20
Best Bets: Falcons -7.0 | Over 44.5
For full game previews, betting trends, and expert analysis for every Week 8 matchup, visit the NFL Hub.
