The Miami Dolphins will take on the Cleveland Browns this Sunday, December 29, 2024, at the Browns' Huntington Bank Field, with kickoff set for 4:05 p.m. EST. This game is particularly significant as the Dolphins hope to keep their slim playoff hopes alive against the struggling Browns, who come off another difficult season.
Miami enters the match with some momentum after pulling off a clutch victory against the San Francisco 49ers, thanks to kicker Jason Sanders’ five field goals. The Dolphins, holding onto the last strands of their playoff aspirations, are currently favored by 6.5 points, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The betting line reflects Miami's current form, pegged at -300 on the moneyline, with Cleveland at +240.
Predictions from various analysts suggest Miami will emerge victorious, but opinions vary on the margin of victory. According to The Arizona Republic, Miami is expected to win 24-16, citing Cleveland’s lack of offensive power if Jameis Winston isn't at the helm. Sports Betting Dime predicts a 20.5 to 11.2 victory for the Dolphins, stating Miami's potent offense gives them the edge.
Meanwhile, ESPN places the Dolphins' chances of winning at 54.2%, slightly higher than the Browns' 45.4% odds. Other predictors diverge; some simulations from Dimers suggest the Browns may edge out the Dolphins, predicting a 22-21 score, indicating this matchup could be closer than it appears.
One of the key storylines leading up to the game involves Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who sustained a calf injury last week but is expected to start. He will be pivotal for the Browns, who have seen consistent rushing success—even without Nick Chubb—averaging over 148 rushing yards per game since his injury.
Thompson-Robinson's performance could be impacted by Miami's defense, which allows 102.1 rushing yards on average, ranking sixth best in the league. The challenges faced by the Dolphins' offense won’t be trivialized either. Miami’s passing attack features standout receivers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and how the Browns defense manages their quick passing game will dictate the flow of the game.
Despite the Dolphins holding the all-time advantage against the Browns (10-9), Cleveland has been able to leverage home-field advantage, winning 7 out of 12 encounters at home. The last time the two teams met at Cleveland was back on November 24, 2019, when the Browns defeated the Dolphins 41-24.
Analysts like Matt Johnson from Sportsnaut indicate Miami is highly proficient at defeating struggling teams, which certainly applies to Cleveland this Sunday. Still, the weather may play a factor, albeit not excessively cold, as Miami traditionally struggles playing outdoors when temperatures dip. Tua Tagovailoa has yet to win any game when temperatures are 45 degrees or lower, carrying an 0-8 record under such conditions—a statistic Miami would like to rectify as the postseason looms.
For fans wishing to tune-in, the game will be broadcast live on CBS and can also be listened to on 850 ESPN Cleveland and 92.3 The Fan. Pre-game coverage starts as early as 10:30 AM on WEWS News 5.
Although Miami is the favored team, the unpredictability of the NFL—especially at this stage of the season—keeps fans and analysts guessing right up to kickoff. Will the Dolphins pull off the necessary win to continue their playoff chase, or can the Browns pull off the upset and provide their fans with some late-season joy? Only time will tell as these two teams clash on the gridiron this Sunday.
