Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking to halt their two-game straight-up winning streak when they play host to the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night at Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals dropped to 2-4 SU in their past six home dates with last week's 29-17 loss to the Denver Broncos. Cincinnati disappointed bettors as 3.5-point home chalk, falling to 1-4-1 against the spread during its current home slide.

The Dolphins travel north after escaping with a 30-24 overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns last weekend, failing to cover as 9.5-point home favorites. Miami has won three straight against the Bengals, SU and ATS, but is 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS in its past four road contests.

Point spread: The Bengals opened as seven-point favorites; the total was 43.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 29.9-15.3 Bengals (NFL picks on every game)

Why the Dolphins can cover the spread

After tallying just 186 yards in Miami's 12-10 season-opening loss in Seattle, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has averaged 353 yards and thrown for five touchdowns over the past two weeks.

The challenge for Tannehill will be to avoid throwing picks for a third straight game against a Bengals pass defense that was exposed by Broncos pivot Trevor Siemian, who found the end zone on four occasions last weekend.

Injuries to Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Derron Smith could create opportunities for Tannehill, who is undefeated in two career games against Cincinnati, while the Dolphins defense has held opposing passers to under 300 yards in four of their past five games.

Why the Bengals can cover the spread

It has been four years since the Bengals posted three straight SU losses, with the club going 5-0 SU and ATS in their past five games following consecutive defeats.

While the Bengals have endured adversity at home, they have largely played well on defense, holding opponents to 18 or fewer points in five of their past seven games. That bodes well against the Dolphins, who have mustered just 16 points per game in their past seven road dates.

Miami's 31st-ranked rush defense also provides Cincinnati with the opportunity to build on last week's impressive 143-yard rushing performance, which produced the Bengals' only two touchdowns on the day.

Smart pick

The Dolphins have dominated Cincinnati with 11 SU wins in 13 meetings since 1980 but have been a dismal bet as underdogs of seven or more points, losing 12 straight SU and covering in just one of their past seven.

Cincinnati has struggled lately at home but is undefeated in four straight home dates against teams with losing records. Take the Bengals to end their losing streak with a SU and ATS win.

Betting trends

The Dolphins are 11-2 SU in their last 13 games against the Bengals.

The Dolphins are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games against the Bengals.

The Bengals are 5-20 ATS in their last 25 games in Week 4.

All NFL betting lines and point-spreads data courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.