These two teams have a lot in common for good reason, Miami’s HC Mike McDaniel has spent the last 14 years working under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan following him from Houston, Washington, Cleveland, Atlanta and San Francisco. They met as young boys and have a 30-year friendship. Both teams are hot right now and that is what makes this such an intriguing matchup a “can’t wait to see game that I hope won’t disappoint”
Miami is heading into this game on a 5-game win streak tied with the Chiefs as the only team with a 5-game win streak. The 49ers are also on an impressive win streak of 4 games and thus makes this matchup this weekend is one of the better matchups.
On to the Matchup:
- Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- When: Sunday, December 4, 2022
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Weather: 56 °F Rainy
- Point Spread: Miami +4
- O/U 46
- TV: FOX
The matchup: on Offense
Miami enters the game 3rd place in total offense with 386.7 yards per game, they are 2nd in passing averaging 291.9 YPG. They are 28th in rushing with just 94.8 yards rushing per game.
San Francisco enters the game 10th place in total offense with 358.5 yards per game, they are 10th in passing offense, averaging 121.1 YPG. They are 11th in rushing, averaging 124.4 yards rushing per game.
The matchup: on Defense
Miami enters the game 17th in total defense giving up 343.4 YPG. They are 23rd against the pass allowing 233.8 passing yards per game. Miami is 9th against the run giving up 109.5 rushing yards per game. Allowing 4.5 yards per rush.
San Francisco enters the contest ranked 1st in total defense, giving up 281.7 YPG. They are 11th against the pass allowing 202.3 passing yards per game. San Francisco is 1st against the run giving up 79.5 rushing yards per game. Allowing 3.3 yards per rush.
The Strategy:
Miami needs Tua to continue with his A Game like he has all season the problem will be at the tackle spot where it is highly unlikely that Terron Armstead will suit up this Sunday because he needs time to heal his injury and it makes no sense to put him out there and jeopardize the rest of the season. So, look for Miami to have Tua get the ball out quickly and also provide help blocking on the left side of the line.
My Take:
Miami is facing the top defense in the game and that will be a huge challenge heading into this game that should not be taken lightly. The Dolphins Offense is one the 49ers have only met once this season where KC ended up blowing out the 49ers 44-23.
I do not expect the same results, but I do feel Miami’s potent offense can score on their top defense. As hard as it might be Miami must find a way to run the ball effectively against the 49ers #1 run defense. Ideally getting more than the average the 49ers are allowing 79.5 YPG. Getting over 100 yards rushing will assure a win for Miami.
Miami needs a balanced attack to win this game, but they must play to their strengths also and T. Hill and J. Waddle are their strengths. This should be a very good game that will be close as these two teams mirror each other and the knowledge both coaches have of each other will truly affect the outcome of the game.
Prediction
Miami 27, San Francisco 24
The Dolphin Seer 