The Miami Dolphins have taken the NFL by storm with a 3-0 start, but the oddsmakers believe that run could hit a speed bump on Thursday night.
Despite a 1-2 start, the Cincinnati Bengals are 4-point favorites to knock the Dolphins from their perch as the last undefeated team in the AFC.
The Bengals got back on track last week in a blowout win over the Jets, and now a national audience will tune in for the highly-anticipated matchup between Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa is dealing with multiple injuries but the expectation is that he plays in this contest. Miami’s offense is ranked No. 2 in the NFL through three games, according to Football Outsiders, while the Bengals’ defense is No. 7.
Cincinnati linebacker Logan Wilson had the seventh interception of his career last week, which is the most among any player at his position since Wilson entered the NFL in 2020.
Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week after recording 2.5 sacks and a pair of forced fumbles against the Jets. Hendrickson has 16 sacks dating back to the start of 2021. Myles Garrett and T.J. Watt are the only players in the AFC with more in that span.
Miami’s team point total is listed at 21.5 by DraftKings.
Tagovailoa is ranked No. 1 in ESPN’s Total QBR after three weeks, as he has found a great groove throwing to Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Co. He has surged in MVP odds after being as long as 80/1 in the offseason.
Burrow threw four interceptions in a season-opening loss to the Steelers but has improved each week. Against the Jets he threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns, finishing with a passer rating of 114.9.
Burrow’s slow start could be an enticing betting opportunity, He dazzled down the stretch of 2021, and if the third-year quarterback comes on strong as the year goes along, he could vault up the list of MVP candidates.
Overall, the oddsmakers are down on the Bengals’ long-term chances. They are underdogs to make the playoffs after reaching the Super Bowl last season.
A win over the Dolphins could flip those odds, which could make now a good time to bet on Cincinnati.
