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Game Preview Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals
The Sunday night matchup on December 21 features a pivotal AFC clash as the Miami Dolphins visit the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams are battling for playoff positioning, with the Dolphins aiming to clinch the AFC East and the Bengals fighting for a wild card berth. This is a rematch of two explosive offenses with contrasting defensive tendencies, and the betting market has tightened with Cincinnati opening as slight home favorites.
Those following weekly betting content at ScoresAndStats will recognize the importance of this game’s spread movement, injury reports, and historical matchup data.
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Odds and Key Information
Miami enters as a +1.5 underdog, while Cincinnati is a -125 favorite on the moneyline. The total sits at 47.5, reflecting the high-scoring potential of both offenses. Betting lines have been relatively stable, with sharps taking early positions on the over.
The game will be played under the lights at Paycor Stadium, a spot where the Bengals have gone 5-2 ATS in their last seven night games. Visit the NFL scores and odds page for updated live lines and totals.
Miami Dolphins Outlook
At 10-4, the Miami Dolphins have been one of the most efficient offensive teams in the league. Tua Tagovailoa leads the NFL in completion percentage, supported by an elite receiving duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Their scheme leverages speed and motion, creating explosive plays against both man and zone coverages.
Miami’s rushing attack, featuring Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane, is averaging 5.3 yards per carry. Their success on early downs gives them the third-lowest third-down rate in the league, helping them maintain long drives and control tempo.
Defensively, the Dolphins have shown signs of growth under coordinator Vic Fangio, though they remain inconsistent. While the pass rush has improved with the return of Bradley Chubb, their secondary is still allowing a passer rating above 90 to opposing quarterbacks. For weekly updates on Miami’s betting trends, the NFL picks hub covers their performance against the spread in detail.
Cincinnati Bengals Outlook
The Cincinnati Bengals, currently 8-6, are in survival mode. Since Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, Jake Browning has managed to stabilize the offense. Over his last three starts, Browning has completed over 70% of his passes and is developing chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Joe Mixon remains a reliable contributor, and the Bengals’ offense has leaned on quick reads and RPOs to mitigate pressure. While their offensive line still struggles against elite edge rushers, the scheme has helped minimize sacks and negative plays.
On defense, Cincinnati ranks near the bottom of the league in yards per play allowed. Their secondary, in particular, is vulnerable to big plays. However, they tighten up in the red zone, ranking fifth in red zone stop rate. For more analysis on Cincinnati’s postseason chances, our blog on who makes the NFL playoffs breaks down the AFC picture.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Matchup | Edge |
|---|---|
| Quarterback Efficiency | Dolphins |
| Wide Receiver Production | Even |
| Offensive Line Pass Protection | Bengals |
| Defensive Pressure | Dolphins |
| Coaching Situationally | Dolphins |
Betting Trends
The Miami Dolphins have covered in five of their last seven games against teams with a winning record. They are also 4-1 ATS when playing in primetime spots since last season. However, their road defense has allowed over 25 points per game in those contests.
The Cincinnati Bengals are 5-1 ATS in December games over the last two years and undefeated ATS in night games this season. Their ability to perform in high-pressure situations has made them a popular pick in recent weeks. Check out the NFL week betting previews for historical trend breakdowns.
The over has cashed in four of the Bengals’ last five games, while Miami has gone over the total in six of their last eight against AFC opponents. For deeper total analysis, visit the best NFL player prop bets blog.
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Prediction
While the Bengals are playing tough football at home, the edge at quarterback clearly favors the Dolphins. Tagovailoa has the tools to exploit Cincinnati’s weak secondary, especially if the run game draws defenders into the box. On the other side, Browning has played above expectations, but Miami’s improved pass rush may force turnovers and stalled drives.
This game projects to be competitive, but the Dolphins’ offensive efficiency, especially on third downs and in explosive plays, could be the difference. The total leans over due to both teams’ recent scoring trends and defensive liabilities.
Projected Score: Dolphins 27, Bengals 24
Spread Pick: Dolphins +1.5
Total Lean: Over 47.5
For more insights, the Sunday Night Football odds preview covers this matchup’s implications and props in more detail.
Why You Need Expert Picks
With playoff stakes and quarterback changes, this game presents a complex betting landscape. That’s why relying on proven handicappers can offer a valuable edge. At ScoresAndStats, the NFL expert picks page features game-by-game breakdowns from top cappers. Be sure to explore the Handicappers Leaderboard to follow analysts who’ve consistently delivered winning results this season.
You can also dive deeper into postseason futures like NFL MVP odds, coach of the year, and Super Bowl picks for expanded NFL betting strategy.
