Packers vs. Dolphins predictions: NFL Week 16 picks, odds

Our NFL betting writer brings you his best Packers vs. Dolphins predictions and picks for their NFL Week 16 showdown, which is live Sunday on FOX at 1 p.m. ET.

The Packers (6-8) topped the visiting Los Angeles Rams 24-12 on “Monday Night Football” to close Week 15. Green Bay extended its winning streak to two following a five-game skid, keeping its NFC playoff hopes alive.

Miami has lost three in a row to fall to 8-6. The Dolphins were edged 32-29 by the host Buffalo Bills last week as their snowy comeback attempt fell short.

Packers vs. Dolphins picks

• Over 49.5 points to be scored, @ -110 via BetMGM
• Dolphins winning margin of 1-6 points, +310 via BetMGM
• Raheem Mostert over 72.5 rushing yards, -120 via BetMGM

Packers vs. Dolphins predictions and analysis

The Packers have topped 24 points in three straight games, a first this season, and eclipsed 200 yards through the air for the first time since Week 11 during the win against the Rams.

Miami can ill afford to lose as it looks to crack the AFC playoff field. An opportunity to stay in the division race passed the Dolphins by last week, and their final three foes all have (flickering) postseason chances entering the home stretch.

Over 49.5 total points scored

After averaging just 17 points in the first two games of its current skid, the Dolphins rediscovered something of a groove at Buffalo.Tua Tagovailoa passed for 234 yards and touchdowns to top threats Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. On the ground, Raheem Mostert rushed for 136 yards on 17 carries, including a long of 67.Hampered by offensive inconsistency for much of the season, the Packers have looked, gulp, somewhat whole in recent weeks. Aaron Rodgers connected with receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson a combined nine times for 101 yards against the Rams, while Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon teamed for 197 scrimmage yards and three scores.

The Dolphins, though, have been a tough out at home, entering play with a 5-1 mark there. Look for things to be close but high-scoring.

Packers vs. Dolphins pick: Over 49.5 total points scored, @ -110 via BetMGM

Dolphins winning margin of 1-6 points

The Dolphins haven’t won since Week 12, when a 30-15 home victory against Houston stretched their winning streak to five. A romp against Cleveland preceded that, but Miami’s contests from weeks 6-9 were decided by a combined 21 points.

Green Bay knows about nail-biters, too, and with its attack showing signs of vitality and the defense revved up after producing five sacks against the Rams, another close game, as with Santa Claus, is coming to town.

Packers vs. Dolphins pick: Dolphins winning margin of 1-6 points, +310 via BetMGM

Raheem Mostert over 72.5 rushing yards

Well, hand it off to him, actually.

Green Bay’s defense allows opponents an average of 5 yards per carry, tied for 30th in the NFL, while the 2,084 rushing yards the unit has yielded ranks 29th.That could spell success for Mostert, who performed soundly at Buffalo as Jeff Wilson Jr. (hip) missed the game because of injury.

Wilson was limited in practice Wednesday as Mostert received the benefit of veterans’ rest. He’ll be refreshed and ready to take on Green Bay.

Packers vs. Dolphins pick: Raheem Mostert over 72.5 rushing yards, -120 via BetMGM