Dolphins-Browns Score Predictions: Are The AFC East Contenders In A Trap Game
Since Tua’s return, everything has been coming up for the Dolphins. They sit at 6-3, firmly in playoff position and one game out of the division with the struggling 3-5 Browns coming to town. This has “trap game” written all over it, but will it go that way? Stadium Rant gets together to predict this one, and I offer my thoughts on a key game for the Phins.
Stadium Rant’s Score Predictions For Dolphins-Browns
@PatKeefe12 – Stadium Rant AFC East Managing Editor: Dolphins 31 – Browns 21
“The Dolphins are starting to look insane again this year, they’re definitely going to be looking to make a push to compete with the Bills for top seeding while they have an opportunity to gain some ground during Josh Allen’s likely recovery period.”
With Josh Allen potentially out for this week’s game against the Vikings, the Dolphins have a chance to potentially top the division at the end of the week, as they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. They are starting to click considerably on offense and should put up a decent total.
@meechmelanin – Contributing Writer For Panthers Pounce: Dolphins 31 – Browns 26
“The Dolphin’s offense has been explosive over the past weeks. Tua Tagovailoa was recently voted the 2022 NFL Midseason MVP. If he can include Waddle and Hill, the Dolphins shouldn’t have a problem in this Divisional Round Matchup. However, the Dolphins will have to watch out for Myles Garrett. Garrett has at least one sack in his last three matchups and one forced fumble“
The Browns certainly have disruptors up front, none more so that Garrett. Tua has been excellent this season, but Garrett can test the best of the best. He’s been able to generate turnovers, and winning the turnover battle, along with getting pressure on Tua will be what gives the Browns the best chance to pull off a big upset. If the Dolphins can manage to keep the ball secure, this game shouldn’t be very close.
@Pat_Pitts – Gillette Gazette Contributing Writer And Podcast Co-Host: Dolphins 35 – Browns 24
“Both teams have solid offenses for different reasons. Brisett is going to do everything in his power to win in his final start before Watsons return. The edge goes to Tua and his weapons on each side. Another 100+ yards for both Waddle and Hill.“
The over is probably a smart bet on this one. There are going to be a lot of points between two offenses with decent weapons, but the Dolphins are just that bit more high-powered when they’re executing, especially through the air. The porous defense the Phins have shown in the last couple games will keep this interesting, though.
My Own Thoughts
I see the Dolphins taking this in a close game, 31-27. Ultimately the Dolphins have too much talent for the Browns to keep up for four quarters. I expect the Dolphins to have to win it late, though. This is an important game for the Browns, as they look to stay in some sort of playoff contention with the return of Deshaun Watson approaching.
They’ve given high-powered offenses trouble in the past and their Halloween beatdown of the Bengals is evidence of it; it was a game where the Garrett and the Browns’ defensive front gave Burrow and that offense no breathing room, and that’s going to have to be the formula for Cleveland. If Tua can get Hill and Waddle going early, though, and can manage to get the ball out quickly, this game will not be very competitive.
The Dolphins, have, however, been porous on defense in the last two games, with both the Lions and Bears having solid offensive outputs against them, especially early. The Browns have solid weapons in Cooper and Peoples-Jones, as well as an RB in Chubb that has been great this year. The personnel for the Dolphins is certainly there on that side, the execution needs to match (as it has most of the season). It will be an entertaining Sunday game for sure.
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