Thursday Night Football - NFL Week 4
Cincinnati Bengals Vs Miami Dolphins, 8:15 EST
Line Bengals -3.5, 47.5
He weebled and he wobbled but didn’t fall down
Tua Tagovailoa took a big shot in the 2nd quarter of Sunday’s win over the Bills falling backwards and hitting his head. He got to his feet but was clearly wobbly and nearly fell down requiring assistance to get to the sideline.
The Dolphins coaching staff described his injury as a ‘back injury, but no actually believes that report. Tua clearly suffered a concussion on the play and should have been out of that game and in concussion protocols. But he returned to the game in the second half leading Miami to victory over the divisional rivals from Buffalo, 21-19
It was a massive victory for the Dolphins and marked a significant turning point for the franchise. It was the biggest game on the entire 2022 schedule for Miami and getting the win could provide the confidence needed to make the playoffs and be a serious contenders in the AFC.
The Bengals are gathering momentum
The Bengals had a nice bounce-back performance against the Jets after suffering two close losses to open the season. This is another must-win game for the defending AFC champions if the have any hope of defending their crown.
Joe Burrow had a much better game last week throwing for 275 yards and 3 TDs and no INTs in their 27-12 win. The Bengal’s offence is now finding its true form after looking out of sync in the first two games.
Joe Burrow spent much of this past summer in the hospital recovering from a ruptured appendix and did not appear his the same QB from last season. At the very least the timing with his receivers looked off after not being able to practice together in the off-season. With more games under their belts, this potent offence should continue to improve as the weeks progress.
Key Injuries
Dolphins - Tagovailao suffered a concussion last even if the team refuses to admit it. Symptoms of concussion can vary dramatically, so he may be just fine. But it may also cause him to regress significantly, at least in the short run.
Bengals - DT DJ Reader is out of this game with a knee injury. Many NFL will not know who he is, but he is a major loss on the Bengals defensive line.
My Pick: Bengals (-3.5)
This is a bad spot for Miami coming off a highly emotional win on just three days’ rest and having to travel north. I expect a letdown from the team and I am not convinced that Tua will be 100%. Undefeated teams are usually overrated by the betting public and fading is often the correct play.
I expect the Bengals to continue improving and to build on their win last week. This is a great spot for them to get back to even and remain contenders in the AFC.
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