Dolphins at Bengals: Preview, Predictions and More
Miami Dolphins vs Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off of a 30-24 overtime win over the Cleveland Browns, the Miami Dolphins travel to Paul Brown Stadium to battle a Cincinnati Bengals team that is licking its wounds after a 29-17 defeat at the hands of the Denver Broncos.
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Both teams enter the game at 1-2 and are looking to right the ship after a tough start to the season. For the Dolphins, its about consistency. Ryan Tannehill and the offense need to show they can put points on the board and hang onto the football.
As for the Bengals, Marvin Lewis’ team needs to play well for four quarters. The Bengals have gotten off to a good start in all three games of their games, but have faded in the second half. Even if the Dolphins have struggled, that obviously needs to be remedied.
Dolphins Keys to Victory
1. Take Care of the Football – The Dolphins need to take better care of the football. Costly turnovers have been a theme thus far. If this team is going to turn the corner, they need to do the little things right. Taking care of the football is one of those things.
2. Double A.J Green – Miami has to double A.J. Green in certain situations. They cannot allow Green to get from down the field on a second and long or third and long situation. The Bengals like to take shots vertically once they are over midfield. The Dolphins have to make sure they don’t give up a game changing big play.
3. The Offensive Line Must Play Well – The offensive line will face a steep challenge in Cincinnati’s defensive front. Geno Atkins, Carlos Dunlap, and Michael Johnson can all get to the quarterback on a consistent basis. It is imperative that Miami’s offensive line holds up, especially in pass protection.
Bengals Keys to Victory
1. Play a Four Quarter Game – The Bengals could easily be 3-0, but their inability to play a four quarter game has hurt them thus far this season. On paper, the Bengals are the better team and they should win this game. But they won’t get the victory it if they don’t play for 60 minutes.
2. Finish Drives – Cincinnati cannot settle for field goals, especially early in the game. They must finish drives and score touchdowns. If the Bengals can score a couple of touchdowns in the first quarter, they’ll put a lot of pressure on the ‘Fins.
3. Generate Turnovers – Ryan Tannehill has thrown four interceptions thus far this season, thus proving he is prone to turning the ball over. The Bengals need to get consistent pressure on him and force him to make bad decisions.
Odds
Point Spread: Bengals -7.5
Moneyline: Dolphins +290, Bengals -350
Over/Under: 44.5
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Prediction
Both teams need to win this game in order to get back to .500 and stay in their respective division race. The Bengals need this game more, however, because they are a contender in the AFC. Cincinnati and they can ill-afford to fall to 1-3. I think they’ll come to play and get a much needed win at home.
Pick: Cincinnati Bengals: 34, Miami Dolphins: 20