Miami Dolphins Gear Up for Preseason Opener Against Atlanta Falcons
As the 2024 NFL Preseason kicks off, the Miami Dolphins are set to face the Atlanta Falcons at their home ground, Hard Rock Stadium. This opening game marks the beginning of a new chapter for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming regular season. The Falcons arrived in South Florida a few days earlier to engage in joint practices with the Dolphins, offering a sneak peek into what fans can expect during the game. Tonight’s matchup will primarily feature players from the lower end of the depth chart, with most starters likely to spend the evening on the sidelines.
Game Overview: What to Expect
Background and Context
The preseason opener offers a unique opportunity for both teams to assess their rosters and make crucial decisions before the regular season begins. Joint practices earlier this week allowed both squads to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in a controlled environment. These sessions are often more telling than the games themselves, as they allow coaches to focus on specific aspects of their teams’ performance.
Key Details
- Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. EST, Friday, August 9th
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Weather: 87°F, Isolated Thunderstorms/Mostly Cloudy
Broadcasting and Viewing Options
Television Coverage
Fans eager to catch the game have several options for watching the live broadcast. The game will be televised on multiple networks depending on your location:
- CBS-Miami/West Palm Beach
- ABC-Fort Myers/Orlando
- FOX-Honolulu
The broadcast team will include Steve Goldstein, Kim Bokamper, and Mike Cugno, who will provide sideline commentary.
Online Streaming
For those who prefer to stream the game online, several options are available:
- fuboTV
- NFL+
- MiamiDolphins.com (in-market only)
Radio Broadcast
Radio coverage will be provided across multiple stations, ensuring that fans can follow the game even if they are not near a television or internet connection:
- iHeart Radio WINZ 940 AM/WBGG 105.9 FM Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
- iHeart Radio WTZU 94.9 FM (Spanish)
- WUUB 106.3 FM West Palm Beach
- WEFL 760 AM West Palm Beach (Spanish)
- WAVK 97.7 FM Key West
- WCZR 101.7 FM/WAVW 92.7 FM Port St. Lucie
The Dolphins’ radio broadcast team will feature Jimmy Cefalo and Joe Rose, with Roly Martin and Eduardo Martell providing commentary for the Spanish broadcast.
Game Officials and Betting Details
Referees
The officiating crew for tonight’s game will be led by Brad Rogers. Other officials include:
- Bryan Neale (Umpire)
- Kenta Payne (Down Judge)
- Kevin Codey (Line Judge)
- Joe Blubaugh (Field Judge)
- Anthony Jeffries (Side Judge)
- Greg Yette (Back Judge)
- Roddy Ames (Replay Official)
- Artenzia Young-Seigler (Replay Assistant)
Betting Odds
For those interested in the betting aspect of the game:
- Miami Dolphins: -3.5
- Over/Under: 49
Recent Head-to-Head Results
The Dolphins and Falcons have faced each other multiple times in the regular season, with the Dolphins holding a 9-5 lead in their head-to-head record. Their most recent encounter was in Week 7 of the 2021 season, where the Falcons narrowly edged out the Dolphins with a 30-28 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
FAQs
What time does the game start?
Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. EST on Friday, August 9th.
Where can I watch the game?
The game will be broadcast on CBS-Miami, ABC-Fort Myers/Orlando, and FOX-Honolulu. It can also be streamed online via fuboTV, NFL+, and MiamiDolphins.com (in-market only).
Who are the commentators for the game?
The broadcast team includes Steve Goldstein, Kim Bokamper, and Mike Cugno on the sidelines.
What are the betting odds?
The Miami Dolphins are favored by 3.5 points, with an over/under set at 49.
Will the starters be playing?
Most starters are expected to be on the sidelines or receive very limited playing time, as the focus will be on evaluating players lower down the depth chart.
Conclusion
Tonight’s preseason opener between the Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons promises to be an exciting event, even if many of the star players remain on the sidelines. This game serves as a crucial opportunity for coaches to evaluate their talent and make necessary adjustments before the regular season kicks off. Whether you’re watching on TV, streaming online, or listening on the radio, there’s no shortage of ways to catch all the action. As always, remember to follow all site rules and avoid sharing illegal streams to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
