San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins Betting Odds, Analysis, NFL Pick

The San Francisco 49ers will be searching for just their second road victory in over two years this weekend when they travel to Miami to face the streaking Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.

The 49ers' lost season continued with last week's lopsided 30-17 loss to the New England Patriots as 11-point home chalk, extending their current straight-up losing streak to nine games. San Francisco has also posted just one against-the-spread win during that stretch.

The Dolphins return home from a two-game Western swing riding a five-game SU and ATS win streak. Miami also sports a 4-1 SU record at home this season and is pegged as a betting favorite for just the second time in its past six contests.

Point spread: The Dolphins opened as 8.5-point favorites; the total was 46.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark. (Line updates and matchup report)

NFL pick, via Odds Shark computer: 35.2-10.8 Dolphins (NFL picks on every game)

Why the 49ers can cover the spread

The Dolphins' surge has lifted them into striking distance of a playoff berth. However, Miami's recent victories have been less than one-sided, claiming victory by four or fewer points in three of four games.

Miami has also failed to cover in eight straight games while favored by eight or more points, with its last ATS win in that situation coming in December 2002.

San Francisco quarterback Colin Kaepernick must further elevate his recent solid performance. Kaepernick has thrown for five touchdowns, to go along with one scoring run, over the 49ers' past three contests.

Why the Dolphins can cover the spread

The Dolphins' current surge has been powered by a potent ground game that has cracked 100 yards in four of their past five outings, including a pair of games in which they gained 222 or more rushing yards.

Miami has also demonstrated impressive resilience during its current tear, overcoming halftime deficits in each of its past four wins.

Turnovers have played a key role in the Dolphins' resurgence. Miami has forced seven total turnovers over its past three games and will be looking to add to that total against a 49ers squad that has coughed up the ball on 18 occasions this season.

Smart pick

The Dolphins have consistently found ways to win in recent weeks. With SU wins in five of six, Miami has suddenly emerged as a hard team to play against on its home turf.

San Francisco is a dismal 2-7 ATS in its past nine games as a road underdog of eight or more points. However, the 49ers are 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS in eight games against Miami dating back to their meeting in Super Bowl XIX.

Look for Miami to post a clear SU win but struggle to cover as big home chalk this weekend.

Betting trends

The 49ers are 6-2 SU and 7-1 ATS in their last eight games against the Dolphins.

The 49ers are 3-0 ATS in their last three games on the road against the Dolphins.

The Dolphins are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games at home against teams with losing records.

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.