NFL Preseason Inner Circle - Friday
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- NFL
- Competition
- Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders
- Release Date
- 08/14/2026 12:13 AM
- Event Date
- 08/14/2026 07:00 PM
- Bet Type
- Point Spread
- Pick
-
Miami Dolphins -3.5 (+100)
(BetMGM)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- I’ll take the Miami Dolphins to win and cover the spread against the Washington Commanders. This game feels like one of those you just have to go with your gut on. Yes, Washington dominated Wednesday’s joint practice on both sides of the ball, especially up front defensively. There are reasons to like the Commanders as well as reasons to think Miami will cover the spread.
The difference here for me is Miami will play quarterback Malik Willis. Head coach Jeff Hafley confirmed Willis would play during Miami’s preseason debut.
“We’re going to get him some reps,” Hafley said Wednesday. “We have a lot to install. We have a lot to evaluate on our offense.”
Willis has a lot to prove this preseason, but Miami has no choice but to give him meaningful reps. If Washington sits quarterback Jayden Daniels and many of its starters after Wednesday’s brutally physical practice, Miami holds the quarterback advantage.
Washington looked fantastic along its defensive front during Wednesday’s practice, but Dan Quinn told reporters he has no issue sitting players who received heavy workloads in joint practices.
“Players who are active in these joint practices probably won’t play in the preseason game,” Quinn said.
It wouldn’t surprise me if Washington rested a lot of its starters anyway after Wednesday. They played tough, physical football and got their work in against Miami. It won’t surprise me if Washington is much more focused on what its backups can do against Miami’s starters.
Miami also has a lot more to evaluate on its roster. The Dolphins hired a new general manager this offseason, new coaching staff and drafted a new starting quarterback. Miami also has several roster spots up for grabs entering training camp.
On Miami’s side, new coach Hafley has even more to prove. He’ll likely want to give as many players who will actually be on the field during the regular season some game reps.
As of now, I’ll take the Dolphins to win and cover Friday night. With Willis starting, Washington potentially sitting many of its starters and Miami seemingly having more to prove this game, I’ll side with the home team.
Jim's Play: 115. Dolphins
