The San Francisco 49ers head to South Beach on Sunday afternoon. Kyle Shanahan leads his 49ers to face his former offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and his Miami Dolphins. Kickoff from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens is set for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday. The game will be aired on CBS. Let’s jump in and take a look at this 49ers-Dolphins preview and predictions.
The 49ers are not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, but it’ll take a few miracles for them to get there. The reigning NFC champions have lost four of their last five games. The injuries continue to stack up and now running back Issac Guerendo is the latest casualty. He’s been ruled out for Sunday’s match.
The #49ers have a 1% chance to make the playoffs. Best way they can make it:
– Must win next 3 games
– Commanders must lose out
– Cardinals lose one of next 3
– Rams lose out
– Falcons lose 2 of 3.Do you believe in miracles??? 👀👀 pic.twitter.com/MRyKJqdVUF
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) December 17, 2024
It’s a similar story for the Miami Dolphins. They are still mathematically in the playoff fight, but it’s going to take a lot of help for them to make it in. Miami has won four of their last six games as they looked to make a late push for the playoffs.
For those who still care:
The Dolphins’ remaining path to the playoffs is to win out AND have the Colts lose one (vs TEN, at NYG, vs JAX) AND either have the Chargers lose two (vs DEN, at NE, at LV) OR Broncos lose out (at LAC, at CIN, vs KC).
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) December 16, 2024
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins Preview and Predictions Video
San Francisco 49ers at Miami Dolphins Preview and Predictions
Devon Achane Over 36.5 Receiving Yards (-113)
Achane has been an explosive player in his two seasons in the NFL. Every time he touches the ball he’s got the ability to take it to the house. He’s had at least 32 receiving yards in three games in a row, four of the last five, and six of the eight. In a game that’s going to be about these head coaches playing chess, I expect McDaniels to get the ball into Achane’s hands plenty in the passing game.
Miami Dolphins +1 (-115)
It’s been a disappointing season for both teams compared to where their expectations were pre-season. Neither team has much hope of the postseason. Neither team has been very good against the spread in 2024, both at just 5-9 ATS. All things taken into consideration, I have to go with the home team that’s catching points. It’ll be a close-fought tough game, but I think the Dolphins pull it out late.
