Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins got the lion’s (or bengal’s) share of the press during the Cincinnati run to the Super Bowl last year. However, the defense played an underrated role in the team’s run, shutting down Derrick Henry and the Titans, as well as putting the clamps on the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter, both during the regular season win and the AFC Championship, allowing the offense to come back on the Chiefs twice. The defense was the hero again in Week 3, as Trey Hendrickson had 2 ½ sacks on Jets quarterback Joe Flacco and forced two fumbles, in addition to four tackles and four other quarterback hits. Logan Wilson and Jessie Bates each had an interception as well. Joe Burrow finally hit the ground running as well, throwing for 163 yards and two scores in the first quarter alone. Let’s take a look at the Bengals’ next test – a midweek visit from the Miami Dolphins. Don’t lock in your wagers without reading our NFL betting preview.
NFL Preview: Miami Dolphins at Cincinnati Bengals
(Thursday, September 29)
When: Thursday, September 29, 2022, 8:15 pm ET
Where: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: Prime Video
Radio: Westwood One
Live Stream: Prime Video
NFL Odds: Cincinnati -4 / O/U 47 // Cincinnati -210 / Miami +175
Why should you bet on the Dolphins?
Miami is riding high with a 3-0 start after taking down the Buffalo Bills at home last week, 21-19. Tua Tagovailoa followed up his transcendent comeback in Baltimore with a steady day against the Bills, finding Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown. Waddle leads the Dolphins with 342 receiving yards on the season, and Tyreek Hill leads the team in catches (21), and the duo has combined for five receiving touchdowns. The running game has not had to do a lot yet, as Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert have combined for 157 yards on the season.
The defense has been led by Brandon Jones, with 24 total tackles, and Melvin Ingram has picked up a pair of sacks so far. Against the spread, the Dolphins have covered in four straight overall, and they have covered in three of their last five games away from home. This year has seen coach Mike McDaniel show a lot of trust in Tagovailoa, and that trust has paid off in terms of production and consistency. If you like the Dolphins, you see that offense rolling once again – after all, they just beat one of the top defenses in the NFL last week.
Why should you put your money on the Bengals?
Joe Burrow has not thrown any interceptions since that 4-pick debacle in Week 1 against Pittsburgh. He has picked up six touchdown passes, with two of those going to Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow has spread the ball around well, with four different receivers picking up at least 100 receiving yards so far. Joe Mixon has 163 yards on the ground through three games, providing crucial balance to the passing game.
The defense really had a breakthrough game last week, although they had put forth big efforts against Pittsburgh and Dallas as well. It was time for the offense to contribute, and the offense seems to be back. If you like the Bengals, you see them taking advantage of a Dolphin defense that has given up a ton of yards (over 500 to the Bills, despite those yards producing just 19 points) this season.
Final Score and Prediction
I was impressed by Cincinnati’s offensive outburst last week, and the Miami defense will not be as lucky this week as they were against the Bills. I see Burrow slicing and dicing the Miami secondary this week, and I predict a final score of Cincinnati 30, Miami 23.
NFL Betting Odds
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