Miami Dolphins set the stage as rookie Quinn Ewers makes his NFL debut against Bengals
The Miami Dolphins are gearing up for a pivotal moment as they prepare to face the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium this Sunday. The spotlight will be on rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers, who is set to make his first NFL start. As anticipation builds, various national analysts have weighed in on their predictions for this matchup.
Predictions from the National Media
As the Dolphins and Bengals prepare to clash, predictions vary widely among sports analysts.
Sports Illustrated: Clare Brennan and Mitch Goldich both forecast a Dolphins victory, while Gilbert Manzano and Conor Orr lean toward the Bengals.
USA Today Sports: Jarrett Bell projects a close Bengals win, predicting a score of 27-24. Other analysts, like Nick Brinkerhoff and Chris Bumbaca, foresee Cincinnati taking the game with scores of 26-21 and 28-21, respectively.
ESPN’s panel is similarly divided. Stephanie Bell, Matt Bowen, and most of their colleagues predict a Bengals win, while Mike Clay breaks the trend with a forecast favoring the Dolphins.
Analysis of Team Dynamics
The Bengals are facing a tumultuous season, marked by Joe Burrow’s struggles, including four interceptions in the last two games. This raises questions about head coach Zac Taylor’s future amidst dwindling playoff hopes. Contrarily, the Dolphins, under Mike McDaniel’s leadership, have gained momentum and are poised to exploit what is statistically the worst rushing defense in the league.
In contrast, CBS Sports notes the implications of last week’s performances—Cincinnati was shut out by the Ravens, effectively ending their playoff aspirations, while Miami also suffered a setback against the Steelers. Despite the lack of playoff stakes, the Dolphins are expected to utilize their home-field advantage, with predictions suggesting a breakout game for running back De’Von Achane.
Diverse Perspectives from Analysts
The Athletic’s analysts echo the sentiment that this game lacks playoff implications, a rarity since 2019 when the Dolphins faced the Bengals in a similar scenario. Analysts predict that the Dolphins will rely heavily on their rushing attack to exploit Cincinnati’s defensive vulnerabilities, while the key to victory may hinge on how effectively the Miami defense can contain Burrow.
Predicted Scores by Major Outlets:
– Dolphins 27, Bengals 24 (Sports Illustrated)
– Dolphins 30, Bengals 26 (CBS Sports)
– Bengals 27, Dolphins 23 (NFL.com)
With such a diverse array of predictions, it’s clear that Sunday’s game will be more than just a contest—it’s a test of resilience for the Dolphins and a chance for the Bengals to regain some pride.
Looking Ahead
As excitement builds around Ewers’ debut, fans of the Dolphins hope for a thrilling performance that could set the tone for future seasons. While playoff implications may be absent, the drive to win and showcase talent remains a compelling narrative. The stage is set for an intriguing matchup that promises to deliver drama, skill, and the unpredictable nature of NFL football.
