Saturday, October 6, 2012

Week 5 AFC East game picks: Dolphins at Bengals

Lead writer Nick St. Denis and AFC East Daily contributors Dan Begnoche, Sean Donovan and Sam Hollingsworth pick the Miami Dolphins' AFC road matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Nick's take:
The Bengals' offense has been very poor on third down, but its big-play ability is the perfect complement to that. Cincy has a league-most six plays of 40 yards or more. Meanwhile, the Dolphins have given up the third-most passing yards in the NFL, though they're holding opposing quarterback to a 77.9 QB rating.
Prediction: Bengals 24, Dolphins 17

Sean's take:
If there is such a thing as a positive loss, the Dolphins have had two in as many weeks. Though Miami's stock is rising despite squandering leads and losing in overtime two games in a row, the Bengals present a set of challenges neither the Jets or Cardinals could: a dynamic passing game. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will feast on Miami's 30th ranked pass defense in a runaway victory.
Prediction: Bengals 28, Dolphins 17

Dan's take:
Cincinnati is coming off a three-game winning streak while Miami — despite its strong numbers rushing the ball and defending the run — has struggled to close out games. The Bengals' record may be a bit misconceiving with wins against Cleveland and Jacksonville, but Dalton's numbers are anything but. Expect Reggie Bush to have a strong outing but Dalton a stronger one against a Dolphins' defense that has struggled against the pass.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Dolphins 21

Sam's take:
The Dolphins have been in some close contests so far this season but haven't been able to come out on top more than once. As long as its troublesome secondary can keep A.J. Green under control, Miami should change that this weekend.
Prediction: Dolphins 21, Bengals 20