San Francisco 49ers (1-9) at Miami Dolphins (6-4) Preview

[DKphin]

[h=4]Series History[/h] 12th regular-season meeting. Dolphins lead series, 6-5. The 49ers will be looking for their first win at Miami in 21 years (Nov. 20, 1995), one that if secured would even the series. The 49ers won the most recent matchup of the squads, 27-13 at home on Dec. 9, 2012. The most famous head-to-head in the series occurred in Super Bowl XIX in Palo Alto, Calif., with the 49ers prevailing 38-16.

[h=4]Keys To The Game[/h] Coach Chip Kelly reiterated this week that his club is a run-first team, so you can bet Carlos Hyde will get first crack at denting a Miami defense that has allowed the fifth-most rushing yards in the league this season. The Los Angeles Rams seemed to have that same game plan last week, and it resulted in an early 24-yard touchdown run by Todd Gurley. But the Dolphins toughened up after that, limiting Gurley to 76 yards and holding the Rams without another touchdown.

Miami wants to impose its physical mentality on San Francisco offensively by running the ball with Jay Ajayi and controlling the clock.
Even with three offensive starters missing last week against the Los Angeles Rams the Dolphins found a way to run the ball effectively (98 yards, 5.2 yards per carry).
Defensively, Miami wants to stop the San Francisco running game and use its defensive front, led by end Cam Wake and tackle Ndamukong Suh, to harass 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

[h=4]Matchups To Watch[/h] 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick vs. Dolphins DE Cameron Wake. If the Dolphins are able to shut down Carlos Hyde like they did Todd Gurley last week, it’ll be up to Kaepernick to do some damage with outside runs. Marcus Mariota (60 rushing yards and a touchdown) and Tyrod Taylor (a rushing score) were able to have success running on Miami this season.

Dolphins WR DeVante Parker vs. 49ers CB Rashard Robinson. The 49ers will be without their top cover corner, Jimmie Ward, this week, so you know where the bull’s-eye will be on their defense: rookie replacement Robinson. His task is no easy one. He’ll have to deal with Parker, who is coming off two big games and appears to be fulfilling his predraft promise.

Our Pick

Dolphins, 30-20.

http://www.lindyssports.com/nfl/pick/san-francisco-49ers-1-9-at-miami-dolphins-6-4/423588/

 

[KTOWNFINFAN]

I just hope the 49ers realize how important it is to struggle and fight tooth and nail for every opportunity they have in their race for the #1 overall pick in next year's draft. They are only one game behind the Cleveland Browns and have a real shot to over take them. They can't afford to slip up and accidentally win a game down the stretch or all their hopes and dreams will go up like a puff of smoke. They MUST stay focused.

 

[Bob512]

I just hope the 49ers realize how important it is to struggle and fight tooth and nail for every opportunity they have in their race for the #1 overall pick in next year's draft. They are only one game behind the Cleveland Browns and have a real shot to over take them. They can't afford to slip up and accidentally win a game down the stretch or all their hopes and dreams will go up like a puff of smoke. They MUST stay focused.

LOL....well done!

We need to win the games we are supposed to, and this is one of them. Can't take the 49's lightly......

Go Fins!

 

[daryl]

I think this looks more like the Rams game. 17-13 - Dolphins escape with a sloppy win and the outcome will still be in doubt entering the fourth quarter.

 

[hoops]

What? No solo d?

Solo...solo...solo d

 

[Fin Thirteen]

I just hope the 49ers realize how important it is to struggle and fight tooth and nail for every opportunity they have in their race for the #1 overall pick in next year's draft. They are only one game behind the Cleveland Browns and have a real shot to over take them. They can't afford to slip up and accidentally win a game down the stretch or all their hopes and dreams will go up like a puff of smoke. They MUST stay focused.

Well the Browns are starting the game with something like their 6th QB change of the season - having asked all their linemen to try not to block anything, so they're going all out to be first to the prize. It's going to take something special from SF to eclipse a surging Browns team. I hope they appreciate the monumental effort it's going to take on Sunday to achieve that.

 

[CalDolFan10x14]

I think this looks more like the Rams game. 17-13 - Dolphins escape with a sloppy win and the outcome will still be in doubt entering the fourth quarter.

Except the 49ers have nowhere near the defense the Rams do. I expect to put up some points on the Niners. I don't think Gase will let the players look ahead or take this as a trap game, especially after SF management screwed him last year. There's going to be some motivation there. The Dolphins will out will come out firing early and often.

 

[fansinceGWilson]

Except the 49ers have nowhere near the defense the Rams do. I expect to put up some points on the Niners. I don't think Gase will let the players look ahead or take this as a trap game, especially after SF management screwed him last year. There's going to be some motivation there. The Dolphins will out will come out firing early and often.

Fans will know a lot by end of 1Q. If SF looks competitive, it will be a long afternoon, kinda like the LA game. EVENTUALLY, Miami should have a game with an easy win. If not, I'm worried.

 

[Mike13]

I think this looks more like the Rams game. 17-13 - Dolphins escape with a sloppy win and the outcome will still be in doubt entering the fourth quarter.

They couldnt penetrate an OL even if they were on Cialis.

 

[CalDolFan10x14]

They couldnt penetrate an OL even if they were on Cialis.

Giggity!

 

[jlfin]

I expect the offense to put up no less than 27 points in this game. Unlike the past few weeks, they are playing a below average defense.
This is nothing like the Rams game. I expect the Dolphins to be in control from the outset. If not, I will be sorely disappointed and would not inspire confidence for the rest of the year. This is their weakest opponent left on the schedule. A team thinking playoffs should be able to dispose of this kind of team with an average effort.

 

[LANGER72]

The fins should be able to move the ball.
I want the Fins to come out and smash the 49ers from the first minute and for the whole game.

I dont want to see the team come out without fire energy and passion.

Go Fins
33-17

 

[kcbrown]

The fins should be able to move the ball.
I want the Fins to come out and smash the 49ers from the first minute and for the whole game.

I dont want to see the team come out without fire energy and passion.

Go Fins
33-17

I would agree with this but with Pouncey and Albert out....I don't think that this game will be in the 30's for us.

Also, we have a history of making every game a dog fight.

Fins 23 49ers 16

 

[NBP81]

Fins are a 7.5 favorite... This is uncharted waters for the Gase lead Fins, lets see how they react when they're supposed to win...

 

[russianbear]

I think this looks more like the Rams game. 17-13 - Dolphins escape with a sloppy win and the outcome will still be in doubt entering the fourth quarter.

you expect a sloppy, low-scoring win when we're playing, literally, the worst defense in the NFL at home?

sounds like unfounded pessimism