Dolphins vs Browns Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/29/24

Miami vs Cleveland (MIA -6.5, 38.5)

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Dolphins vs Browns Free Pick, NFL Free Picks, NFL Predictions 12/29/24

Miami vs. Cleveland | Sunday, December 29, 2024

The two-game Sunday afternoon slate kicks off with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns. Miami are coming off a rare, feel-good victory over a perceived good team, although, the 49ers' 6-9 record would suggest that this is not the narrative-busting victory that Miami would want it to be. Nevertheless, it must have felt good for head coach Mike McDaniel to get one over on his old boss Kyle Shanahan.

For Cleveland, the switch to Dorian Thompson Robinson did not prove to be a difference maker, as they fell to the Cincinnati Bengals. The game appeared to be heading in a promising direction when running back Jerome Ford broke off a 60-yard run to open the game, But there was little doubt about who was the better team by the end of the game. Jerome Ford certainly does at least give this offense more explosiveness in the run game, as he takes on more work in the absence of the injured Nick Chubb. It will be tough for him this week though, going up against in Miami defense that ranks 6th in rushing yards conceded per game, with 102.1.

The Dolphins are also an impressive defense when it comes to stopping the pass, ranking 10th in the NFL, thanks to their 210.9 passing yards conceded per game. That does not bode well for Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has done nothing to suggest that he is an NFL-calibre quarterback throughout the early stages of his young career so far. His career stat line of a 52.7% completion rate for 697 yards, 1 touchdown, and 9 interceptions makes for pretty dismal reading.

For Miami, their offense generally tends to run through sophomore running back De’Von Achane when they are on the song. He had 190 scrimmage yards and one touchdown against the 49ers last week, acting as the perfect weapon for Mike McDaniel’s scheme. The Dolphins were without Jaylen Waddle last week against San Francisco, but that didn’t really matter. Waddle has had a quiet year so far, and the dip in production from both him and Hill, in comparison to what we are used to from them, has more than been made up for by tight end Jonnu Smith. He had another 62 yards last week to take his total to 802 on the year, which is comfortably a career-high.

The Miami Dolphins should fancy their chances of moving the ball against this Cleveland defense, who are falling well below what we are used to from them. They are conceding 25.3 points per game, which is 7th most in the NFL, ranking middle of the pack when defending both the run and the pass. Miami should have more than enough in the tank to clear the Browns with relative ease this weekend.

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Dolphins -6.5