NFL Betting: Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Odds, Preseason Analysis

Oddsmakers expect a close contest when the Atlanta Falcons and the Miami Dolphins meet for an NFL preseason game Thursday night at the Florida Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, offering a spread that probably matches what it would be if these teams met in the regular season.

The Dolphins are favored by a field goal at home at sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark.

Falcons vs. Dolphins Overview

The Falcons, in their second season under head coach Dan Quinn, are coming off a disappointing 8-8 campaign of a season ago. Disappointing, because Atlanta started 5-0, then lost eight of its last 11 games. Heading into this season the Falcons are hoping an improved running attack and better health will help them in contention for a playoff spot.

Miami, meanwhile, is in its first season under new head coach Adam Gase. The Dolphins floundered to 6-10 last year, even though they were supposed to contend for the postseason. Now, though, they're playing under the radar, which isn't a bad place to be.

The Falcons are 2-0 both straight up and against the spread so far this preseason, according to the Odds Shark NFL Database. Two weeks ago they beat Washington 23-17 and last week they won at Cleveland 24-13.

Miami is 1-1 both SU and ATS this preseason, beating the Giants in New Jersey 27-10 and then losing at Dallas 41-14.

These teams last met two seasons ago for a Week 3 regular season contest, a 27-23 Miami come-from-behind victory. Atlanta actually led that game 20-10 in the third quarter, and by a field goal late, but allowed the Dolphins to drive 75 yards in the final four minutes to the winning score.

The Falcons dominated the stat sheet that day, outgaining Miami 377-285 in total yards and winning time of possession by over 14 minutes. However, Atlanta blew the cover as a three-point underdog. That contest played over its posted total of 46 points.

Falcons vs. Dolphins Betting Analysis

Week 3 of the exhibition season, as we all know, is as close to the real thing as the exhibition season gets. Starters will play more in Week 3 than they have so far, and they'll be limited in Week 4. That being said, if this were a Week 1 regular season game we would expect Miami to be favored by a field goal or so, which is exactly where the line for this game sits.

Ultimately, exhibition games come down to who wants them more, and in this spot that's probably the Dolphins as their new coach tries to establish a winning atmosphere.