Sunday, October 11, 2020, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California, 4:05 p.m. ET
Dolphins at 49ers at Betting Preview: Dolphins (+8.5/-105), 49ers (-8.5/-115)
Miami Dolphins
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s hold on the starting quarterback job is tenuous with rookie Tua Tagovailoa improving rapidly during practice sessions so he may need a big performance against the 49ers.
The 37-year-old passed for 315 yards in last Sunday’s 31-23 loss to the Seattle Seahawks but was intercepted twice and didn’t throw a touchdown pass. Fitzpatrick’s veteran leadership is held in high esteem in Miami but the club’s longest pass play is just 27 yards.
Fitzpatrick has passed for 994 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions, numbers the inexperienced Tagovailoa could better over his first four NFL games once promoted.
The Dolphins are averaging 23.3 points per game and also have issues establishing the run with Fitzpatrick (115 yards) ranking second behind team leader Myles Gaskin (192). Miami ranks 27th in total defense (409.8 yards per games) but is tied for 12th in scoring defense (24.0).
Defensive end Shaq Lawson (shoulder) got banged up in the loss to Seattle. Wideout DeVante Parker (ankle) caught a career-best 10 balls last Sunday but was limited in practice on Wednesday.
San Francisco 49ers
Coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t sure starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (ankle) will return after a two-week absence and is playing coy over who would fill in if he isn’t available.
Nick Mullens started the past two games but was pulled from last Sunday’s 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles after throwing two interceptions and losing a fumble. C.J. Beathard replaced him and sparked the club so it wouldn’t be surprising if he drew the start.
Garoppolo and standout running back Raheem Mostert (knee) were both limited participants in Wednesday’s practice but Shanahan also is in wait-and-see mode with Mostert. He wants to observe last season’s postseason star during the week and make a declaration as it gets closer to game day. The defense has been solid for San Francisco and ranks third in both scoring defense (17.8) and total defense (294.8).
The 49ers have injury issues at cornerback as Emmanuel Moseley (concussion) and Dontae Johnson (groin) missed Wednesday’s workout and cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring) was limited. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (quadriceps) also is ailing and was limited.
Dolphins at 49ers Betting Pick for Week 5
San Francisco is 0-2 at home this season and that figures to change real quick. It would help matters if Garoppolo returns to start but the 49ers are used to either of their backups. If Fitzpatrick struggles, the Tagovailoa era could begin.
Dolphins at 49ers Betting Pick:
49ers 34, Dolphins 24
Dolphins at 49ers Best Bet for Week 5
San Francisco tight end George Kittle (knee) proved he was healthy with 183 yards and a touchdown on a career-high 15 receptions against the Eagles and the 49ers will have him test the Miami secondary. The Dolphins have allowed more than 30 points twice.
Dolphins at 49ers Best Bet: OVER 49.5 total points (-115)
