Staff prediction for Miami Dolphins versus San Francisco 49ers
Each week the Phinphanatic staff will bring you their prediction for the upcoming game. This week the Miami Dolphins come home to face the San Francisco 49ers.
James Anderson
The 49ers stayed close most of the game vs a Gronkless Pats team last week. Colin Kaepernick averages four yards a run on scrambles and was doing so plenty last game which should continue. The uncertainty of the starting status for 3 players on the Dolphins offensive line paired with the 49ers weakness for stopping the run points toward trying to exploiting this. Prediction: Dolphins 24 San Francisco 17
Sean Denison
As the Dolphins found out last week, they can’t take any opponent for granted. On the surface, the San Francisco 49ers (1-9) don’t look very impressive. But despite their record, they’re very good at running the football. Currently, the 49ers rank 5th in rushing offense, and will look to implement their ground attack Sunday in Miami. I expect the Dolphins new and improved rush defense to struggle a little bit with the mobility of 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Offensively, look for the Dolphins to establish the run early, taking advantage of the NFL’s worst rush defense. Establishing the run should open up play action for Ryan Tannehill. Expect the Dolphins to take several shots downfield against a Niners secondary who has surrendered 43 passes of 20 or more yards on the year. Prediction: Dolphins 27 San Francisco 16
Eric Frosbutter
The Dolphins look to extend their winning streak when they host San Francisco. Injuries to the offensive line proved to be an issue last week, and they very well could be without 3 key starters again on Sunday. Still, Miami should be able to keep their win streak and playoff hopes alive against one of the worst teams in the league. Dolphins 27 San Francisco 17
Scott Lascari
With the injuries along the offensive line, the offense will find it challenging once again to put points on the board. The defense should be up to the task of defending against the 49ers offense, and hopefully do a better job getting off the field. Fortunately for both sides of the ball, the 49ers will be travelling across the country during a holiday week to play a game at 10:00 a.m. Pacific time. As a result, the Dolphins should continue their winning ways but will not do so in a blowout. Prediction: Dolphins 17 San Francisco 10
Brian Miller
The Dolphins are riding a 5 game win streak as they return home. The 49ers are one of the worst teams in the NFL but they would love to stop the streak. Miami learned a lot about themselves in the final 4 minutes last week and I think it carries over. Prediction: Dolphins 28 San Francisco 14
Tyler Olson
If San Francisco is going to win it’s by taking advantage of the injuries Miami has across the offensive line. I think Coach Gase, however, pounds the rock all day on Sunday against a very poor 49ers run defense. Expect a big day from both Jay Ajayi and Damian Williams/Kenyan Drake. Prediction: Miami 30 San Francisco 17
Carlton Ray
If there was a game on the schedule that had “trap” written all over it, this would be it. The Dolphins are back at home, riding high on a 5 game winning streak. The national media has the team listed in the top 15 of the power rankings and the coach is being mentioned for coach of the year honors. Meanwhile the 49ers are flying cross country and may be suffering from jet lag.The Dolphins should not be lacking motivation however, since you can be assured that former Eagles Byron Maxwell and Kiko Alonso will remind their teammates how dangerous a Chip Kelly offense can be, and coaches Adam Gase and Vance Joseph are as intense a coaching duo as the Dolphins have had in 30 years. Dolphins extend streak to 6 wins. Prediction: Dolphins 25 San Francisco 20
Matthew Stevens
Miami has played to the level of their competition all season. SF has a better offense than LA but a much worse defense. If the offensive line was intact I could see this being an easy Dolphins victory. Unfortunately, Miami could start this game minus THREE starters on the line and the offense will play it ‘close to the vest’ again this week. Prediction: Dolphins 20 San Francisco 14