Pundit Predictions: Denver Broncos at Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins will be looking to snap their five-game losing streak when they host the Denver Broncos on Sunday. After going 3-1 to start the year, the Broncos have endured seven consecutive losses. Both teams have less-than-ideal quarterback situations, which could make this weekend’s contest a scrappy one. With the game rapidly approaching, let's examine what the experts are saying about this matchup.

David Steele - Sporting News

Prediction: Dolphins win 22-19

Steele's analysis:

Predicting how entertaining a game will be is harder (and more foolhardy) than picking who wins, but circumstances indicate that this is the most unwatchable game of the weekend. The four quarterbacks likely in play: Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler, Matt Moore and Jay Cutler. Their seasons are in the toilet for legit reasons. The Broncos will be without the suspended Aqib "Two Chains" Talib, but against this team, does it really matter?

Elliot Harrison - NFL.com

Prediction: Broncos win 22-20

Harrison's analysis:

Siemian! Cutler! It's the NFL on CBS!!! Er ... FOX! It's a bit of a plunge from Elway-Marino. Broncos coach Vance Joseph, who is taking a ton of criticism right now, gets off the seven-game schneid with a game plan designed to beat a Miami team he knows well (he was DC there just last season), along with a prideful if not perfect performance from Trevor Siemian.

(Not) Fun fact: The Browns are the only team with a longer active losing streak (11 straight losses) than the Broncos (seven) and Dolphins (five). Tell you what, Jake Plummer and Jay Fiedler aren't walking through that door, either.

Chris Simms - Bleacher Report

Prediction: Dolphins win 20-17

Simms' analysis:

I know the Broncos defense is still talented, but Denver finds ways to lose games on offense and on special teams. That includes last week, which involved a terrible interception in the red zone by the Oakland Raiders. The Broncos should be able to win by playing through their defense, but they can't get out of their own way.

The Dolphins aren't anything to brag about either, but I believe in head coach Adam Gase more than I do Vance Joseph right now. Miami had a chance to make the game in New England very interesting last week, but two blown coverages—and a notable talent gap—cost the team. The final score of 35-17 made the game look worse than it was.

New England is a far better team than Denver. If the Dolphins can avoid the mistakes that cost them last week, they'll handle the Broncos easily. Regardless, they're at home, they still have an outside shot at the postseason and they're well-coached.

James Walker - ESPN

Prediction: Dolphins win 16-14

Walker's analysis:

The Dolphins are on a five-game losing streak and the Broncos have lost seven in a row. So something has to give in this battle of two struggling teams. Quarterback Jay Cutler's return from a concussion should help Miami's offense regain some balance, which is needed against Denver's third-ranked defense. The suspension of Pro Bowl cornerback Aqib Talib will help the Dolphins against Denver, which has struggled to win close games this season.

How do you think the Dolphins will fare against the Broncos? Tell us your predictions in the comments below.