The Cincinnati Bengals head to Miami to take on the Dolphins in the team’s second game since losing franchise quarterback Joe Burrow for the season. The Bengals (2-8-1 SU, 7-3-1 ATS) will be in tough to score much on the surprise Dolphins (7-4 SU, 8-3 ATS) and their second-ranked scoring defense.
- Date/Time: December 6, 1 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Sportsbook Odds: Dolphins -10 | O/U 42.5 (Line History)
- Bengals vs Dolphins Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The game opened with the Dolphins as favorites at -10 and the line has moved up to either -11 or -11.5 depending on the sportsbook. The total opened at 42.5 and has moved down slightly to 41.5 or 42 depending on where you look.
Cincinnati News & Notes
Fifth-year quarterback Brandon Allen will make his fifth career start Sunday after first overall pick Joe Burrow suffered a devastating knee injury in Week 11. Allen completed 17 of 29 passes for 136 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the team’s Week 12 loss to the Giants. It will be hard to expect much of anything from Allen on the road in Miami despite the solid group of receivers at his disposal.
On defense, Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league in most major statistics. The Bengals have allowed the fifth-most yards per play and the eighth-most total yards, and have forced just 11 turnovers – tied for third-fewest. Cincy has been particularly porous against the run. The team has allowed the second-most yards per attempt (4.8) and the third-most yards overall on the ground.
Miami News & Notes
Miami franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has an injured thumb and is questionable for this game. However, whether or not Tagovailoa plays may not affect the outcome of this matchup. Veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who would start if Tua cannot play, has had a solid season, going 4-3 with 1,909 yards, 12 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
If Fitzpatrick plays, look for top receiver DeVante Parker to take advantage of a soft Bengals defense. Four of Parker’s five most targeted games this season have come with Fitzpatrick at quarterback, including last week’s 14-target game in which Parker posted eight receptions for 119 yards.
Miami’s defense has been the story of its surprise season. The Dolphins rank highly in most defensive categories and have allowed the third-fewest points and created the third-most turnovers this season.
Betting Pick: Dolphins -11
Much like last week’s win in which the Dolphins allowed just three points to the Jets, we like Miami to smother a poor offensive team. Ryan Fitzpatrick is always a risk to turn the ball over a couple of times, but we just do not think the Bengals will manage to score much, if at all.
- Miami is 6-1 ATS in its last 7 games at home.
- Cincinnati is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games as a double-digit underdog.
- Miami is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games as a home favorite.
