Time again to make our game predictions for Sunday's game. Above are each team's offensive and defensive rankings. And, as usual, below are some picks from mainstream media personalities:
| Chris Mortensen - 49ers | Jay Novacek - Dolphins |
| Tom Jackson - Dolphins | Pete Prisco - Dolphins |
| Ron Jaworski - Dolphins | Harmon Forecast - Dolphins |
| Mike Ditka - Dolphins | Michael Silver - Dolphins |
| Peter King - Dolphins | Jason Cole - Dolphins |
So what did the Dolphins do to Chris Mortensen for him to suddenly turn on them? Before last week, Mort - I believe - had picked the Dolphins' game correct all but 1 time this season. But last week, he picked the Bills. Wrong answer. And this week, he's among the minority picking the 49ers to win. Hmmm.
Anyways, I'm having a hard time trying to convince myself the Dolphins shouldn't win this game. And that's despite some 49ers' players doing everything they can to convince the world that they are going to win - even though the Niners are just 1-7 against teams with .500 records. And yes, I'm aware the 49ers are the only west-coast team to win in the eastern timezone. But that was against Buffalo. So does that really even count?
What I do think, though, is that two trips to the east coast in 3 weeks might be enough to wear out the Niners. And the Dolphins' defense, which has been playing terrific football the last 2 weeks, is really going to get after Shaun Hill and the Niners' offense. Frank Gore might not even play - and if he does, he won't be close to 100%. And I have a sneaking suspicion that Joey Porter comes out fired up early on and makes his presence known.
A stiff defense and just the right combination of Chad Pennington, Ronnie Brown, and Ricky Williams should be enough for the Dolphins to win a game that is going to be closer than some might think.
My pick? Dolphins win 20-13 in a very physical battle.
Your predictions below...