The red-hot Miami Dolphins invade Cincinnati Thursday night to take on the Bengals, themselves coming off of their first victory of the season. Defending AFC champ Cincy is a four-point favorite, with the total currently at 47 points, according to BetUS sportsbook NFL odds.
Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals Week 4 Odds by BetUs
Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dolphins | +4 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | +175 | ![]() |
Bengals | -4 ( -110 ) | 47 ( -110 ) | -210 | |
![]() |
Miami Lone AFC Unbeaten
The Miami Dolphins are arguably the hottest team in the NFL, after disposing of their division rival, and Super Bowl favorite, Buffalo Bills, 21-19. The Dolphins are the only undefeated team left in the AFC, and only one of two (Philadelphia Eagles) in the NFL. Additions that Miami made in the offseason, mainly wide receiver Tyreek Hill and new coach Mike McDaniel, have thus far changed the trajectory of this team.
Hill and Jaylen Waddle are both in the top three in receiver yards, with the Bills’ Stefon Diggs just eclipsing both of them. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is second in the NFL with 925 passing yards. Tagovailoa is dealing with an injured back, and his injury status as of this writing isn’t clear. The Dolphins are also under investigation during last week’s game, reviewing their process of Tagovailoa’s concussion protocols, along with his subsequent return.
Miami doesn’t have too many flaws now, but the Dolphins are extremely vulnerable in the backfield. The second-least amount of rushing yards per game (64), and neither of Miami’s top two running backs has eclipsed 100 yards rushing yards in any game. The Dolphins arguably have the best passing offense, but their ability to establish a solid run game is vital.
Bengals Ground Jets
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the New York Jets, 27-12, at the Meadowlands last Sunday. Cincinnati was 0-2 to start the season, having lost both of those games by three points. The Bengals face somewhat of a Super Bowl slumber, though a win against Miami would awaken the organization, providing a ton of confidence.
Offensively, while the Bengals started to click a bit last game, it was the defense that really changed the tone. The Bengals forced four Jet turnovers, giving the offense great field position and short fields. With the likes of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and safety Jesse Bates finding their form, the Bengals are beginning to resemble the Bengals.
Despite the win, Cincinnati desperately needs to work on running the ball. Samaje Perine led with only 47 yards rushing. The Bengals’ passing game has shown some signs, as quarterback Joe Burrow-after a four-pick opener-has thrown four touchdowns (no interceptions) in his last couple. Those 15 sacks through three games aren’t helping.
Dolphins to Prevail
The Miami Dolphins are far too hot not to endorse in this game. In a “what have you done for me lately?” league, the Dolphins, 16-1 (+1600) to win the title, as per Super Bowl odds, should be considered one of the top teams in the NFL. Competition has been far superior to Cincinnati’s, having beaten both the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, the Bengals have only vanquished the lowly Jets.
The Bengals certainly have a lot of faith from oddsmakers to regain the form of last season. However, unless Tagovailoa doesn’t play, Miami, in our opinion, should be faves. Thus, a four-point cushion is as sweet as it gets. It’s difficult to predict the Dolphins to lose until it happens, and having reviewed Cincinnati’s performances this season; they’re not the ones to do the job.
Take the Dolphins +4 and the over.