Predictions
Dave Hyde Sports Columnist Season record: 2-2 Prediction: Falcons 24, Dolphins 17
Comment: This year’s Falcons offense isn’t last year’s offense. But then neither is the Dolphins’ offense. This one falls squarely on whether you think the Dolphins’ defense can manhandle the Falcons into complete submission.
Keven Lerner Online Sports Editor
Season record: 2-2 Prediction: Falcons 30, Dolphins 16
Comment: The Falcons are doubledigit favorites for good reason. They should be close to full-strength with several key starters returning (WR Julio Jones, LB Vic Beasley, RT Ryan Schraeder and FS Ricardo Allen). The Dolphins rank last in the NFL in points per game (10.3), yards per game (231.3) and third-down conversions (12 of 48, 25 percent).
Omar Kelly Dolphins Writer/Columnist
Season record: 3-1 Prediction: Falcons 28, Dolphins 17 Comment: The Falcons have a highoctane offense that is well-rested, coming off a bye week. The Dolphins have the NFL’s worst offense, one that’s struggling in every aspect of the game. This is a recipe for disaster.
Steve Svekis Assistant Sports Editor
Season record: 3-1 Prediction: Falcons 34, Dolphins 17
Comment: Even with Julio Jones dinged up and Matt Ryan struggling (87.5 passer rating), the Falcons are a nasty matchup for a team with an offense averaging 8.5 points a game. Miami may have a chance if its defense can replicate their six sacks and two takeaways of last week.
David Selig Sports Editor
Season record: 3-1 Prediction: Falcons 30, Dolphins 17
Comment: I wouldn’t classify any of the teams the Dolphins have faced yet as good. The Falcons definitely are. Unless Adam Gase unleashes Jay Cutler’s gunslinger alter ego, I can’t see the Dolphins scoring enough to keep up.
Matt Lincoln CBS12 Sports Director
Season record: 2-2 Prediction: Falcons 27, Dolphins 21
Comment: The Dolphins are last in the NFL in almost every offensive category. They will need to score more than 21 points to beat the reigning NFC champs, and they have only three offensive touchdowns in four games. While, I think it is too tall a task for the Dolphins to win, the game, I expect the offense to show signs of life.