Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Picks and Prediction for Friday, August 28, 2026
The Atlanta Falcons visit the Miami Dolphins on Friday at 7:00 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium for the preseason finale for both teams. Atlanta is 1-1 after routing Indianapolis 34-6 last Saturday, while Miami is 0-2 following a 26-3 home loss to the Giants. The Falcons are 4.5-point road favorites after opening at -3, while the total is 36.5. With final roster decisions approaching, this game should be driven heavily by backups competing for jobs. Build your bankroll with our free NFL picks.
Atlanta Falcons Preview
Atlanta's backup offense delivered an impressive performance against Indianapolis, producing 461 total yards while scoring on five of its first six possessions. Cooper Rush completed 10 of 11 passes for 86 yards before Jack Strand took over and finished 12 of 17 for 212 yards and a touchdown. Strand also scored on a 16-yard run and has strengthened his case for a roster spot. Tyler Goodson contributed 59 rushing yards on six carries, including a 49-yard touchdown, as Atlanta finished with 164 yards on the ground.
The Falcons were equally strong defensively, holding Indianapolis to 164 total yards, nine first downs and six points. Atlanta's defense also benefited from an offense that controlled possession and consistently created favorable field position. With most regular starters sitting against Indianapolis, the performance provided a useful look at the depth that should again receive extensive playing time in Miami. Atlanta's reserves have plenty to build on after dominating their second preseason game.
Injuries: Trey Sermon (IR, undisclosed), Malik Verdon (IR, undisclosed), Jalon Walker (IR, knee). Michael Penix Jr. and Kam Dewberry are questionable.
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Miami Dolphins Preview
Miami's reserve offense has struggled badly through two preseason games. Cam Miller started against the Giants with Malik Willis sitting and Quinn Ewers unavailable because of a groin injury. Miller completed 6 of 11 passes for 60 yards but was sacked twice as Miami generated only 102 total yards. The Dolphins managed just a 53-yard Riley Patterson field goal and lost two fumbles. Miami has scored only 10 points across its two preseason games after losing 20-7 to Washington in the opener.
The Dolphins' defense has also spent too much time on the field because of the offensive problems. New York accumulated 390 yards and built a 20-3 halftime lead last Saturday. Miami's reserves have now struggled for extended stretches, with 12 three-and-outs over the 19 possessions following the opening touchdown drive of the preseason. The finale represents one final opportunity for the NFL's youngest roster to show progress before final cuts.
Injuries: James Ester (IR, undisclosed). Ronnie Harrison Jr., Ollie Gordon II, Trey Moore and JuJu Brents are questionable.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Miami Dolphins Prediction
Preseason finales can be difficult to project because playing time is dictated by final roster evaluations, but Atlanta's depth has clearly produced better results so far. Rush and Strand give the Falcons two quarterbacks who played well against Indianapolis, while Miami's backup offense has generated almost nothing since its opening drive against Washington. The Dolphins have scored three points over their last six quarters and were outgained 390-102 by the Giants. Atlanta may not repeat last week's 28-point victory, but its quarterback play and stronger reserve production provide a clear advantage. Final Score Prediction: Atlanta Falcons win and cover ATS 23-10.
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Best Picks
- Atlanta Falcons -4.5
- Under 36.5
