Fresh off a resounding win over the Rams in Australia, the 49ers should be able to put questions of sleep science to bed.
A three-game homestand awaits San Francisco, starting with what might be the most
lopsided matchup of Week 2. In a loss to the resetting Raiders, the Dolphins served up a reminder of just how far they might be from competing in the early going.
A 49ers rushing attack that's already firing on all cylinders will pose a substantial challenge for a Miami defense that could struggle to account for all of the wrinkles and misdirection inherent to the ground game. Just as concerning for first-year coach Jeff Hafley, however, could be the Dolphins' protection plan. Malik Willis took five sacks in his first start in South Florida and was under siege throughout the afternoon.
Raheem Morris managed to generate consistent pressure against the Rams while seldom resorting to the blitz, and he could do so again while facing an overwhelmed front and a receiving corps that struggled to generate separation. Mike Evans might also be too much to handle for a Miami secondary that might constitute the league's most vulnerable back end, especially when it comes to guarding big-bodied targets.
49ers vs Dolphins odds, moneyline, over/under
Opening lines:
- Spread: 49ers -10.5
- Moneyline: 49ers -650; Dolphins +470
- Total: 46.5
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Dolphins at 49ers score predictions
Adam Kaufman: 49ers 31, Dolphins 13
If the 49ers are as good as they looked in Australia and the Dolphins are as bad as, well, they are, this could be a bloodbath. The Raiders had no trouble getting to Malik Willis, sacking him five times and generating 17 pressures, so Nick Bosa must be licking his chops. San Francisco is feeling itself after handling Los Angeles Down Under and has enjoyed extra time to rest, reset its body clock and prepare for this one. Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black should pick up where they left off after helping the 49ers rush for 174 yards at 5.8 per carry. Meanwhile, Brock Purdy has every opportunity to exploit Miami's inexperienced secondary with Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel and George Kittle. This shouldn't be close.
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: 49ers 34, Dolphins 17
Oof. Whatever the line ends up as here still might not be great enough to reflect the disparity between these two teams. Kyle Shanahan's offense can be maddening for even the most experienced defenders to try to keep contained. Expect the learning curve to be steep for the Dolphins and a group dotted with first- and second-year starters. Even if Malik Willis and De'Von Achane can provide some sporadic sparks, Miami will have a tough time relying on its unproven receiving corps to keep drives going.
Nate Davis: 49ers 37, Dolphins 13
It literally might be the mismatch of the season. The entire season. And the oddsmakers are pretty clearly in agreement, too. What more really needs to be said?
Richard Morin: 49ers 31, Dolphins 13
I have a small amount of pause given the travel distance for the 49ers. Why didn't they play the Australia game on Wednesday and keep Patriots-Seahawks for Thursday? Regardless, I still like San Francisco in this spot. The Dolphins are as close to lifeless as it gets for Week 2, and the 49ers showed themselves as a force to be reckoned with this season. This will be the most popular Survivor Pool pick on the board, but we know how that worked out for the Chargers last week.
Where to watch Dolphins at 49ers
- Matchup: 49ers vs. Dolphins
- Date: Sept. 20
- Time: 4:25 p.m.
- Venue: Levi's Stadium
- Location: Santa Clara, California
- TV: Fox
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dolphins at 49ers: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 2 game
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