The Detroit Lions enter Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season after defeating the Minnesota Vikings, preserving the 1972 Miami Dolphins' status as the only team to complete an unbeaten season in NFL history. The Lions, carrying momentum, face the current Dolphins, who have won just one game this season.
Game Predictions and Odds
According to the SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates each NFL game 10,000 times and has posted a 60-51 record on top-rated picks since 2024, the Lions win in 73% of simulations. On the prediction market Polymarket, a Detroit victory trades at 75%, while a Miami win trades at 26%.
Point Spread and Total Points
Polymarket lists the Lions to win by more than 6.5 points at 53% probability, with the alternative (Dolphins win or lose by fewer than 6.5 points) at 48%. SportsLine simulations show Detroit winning by seven or more points in 57% of runs. The over/under for total points is set at 50.5, with Polymarket pricing the over at 50% and the under at 51%. SportsLine projects more than 50.5 points in 64% of simulations.
Team Context
Detroit's defense has struggled overall, but a Week 8 injury to linebacker Jack Campbell may have galvanized the unit; the Lions held the Vikings in check. Campbell will not play against Miami, though his recovery is described as encouraging. The Lions' offense ranks first in yards per game and third in points per game.
Miami, despite a 1-7 record, has not been blown out recently; each of their last four games has been decided by one possession. The Dolphins' defense has been decent, but the offense, led by quarterback Malik Willis, faces questions about scoring enough to stay competitive.
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