Miami Dolphins 2015 game by game prediction

Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and quarterback Tom Brady (12) sit on the bench during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Week 17

New England Patriots

This game could have divisional championship written all over it. Both the Patriots and the Dolphins could be facing a win an you win it type game. The Dolphins have the potential to be strong while the Patriots are already strong. Another match-up between the clubs that will come down to the Dolphins defense putting pressure on Tom Brady while taking away the quick routes.

Why Miami could win

The Dolphins will either be having one of their best seasons in recent memory or will be looking back on games they didn’t win but should have. If the Dolphins and Patriots are tied going into the final weekend it’s hard not to think that experience has an edge. The Dolphins need to keep Tom Brady from being himself and one thing we have seen over and over again is pressure takes Brady out of games and lowers his confidence level. The Dolphins need to take away his confidence.

Why the Dolphins could lose

The Patriots know how to win and they use every players ability to the best of it. New England has those intangibles that simply can’t be overstated. They can beat you with a perfect offensive game plan or a perfectly executed defensive one.

Prediction

New England 34 – Miami 28

CONCLUSION

I believe the Dolphins can open the season with six wins. I think they are better heading into the season than the Bills and Jets who I view as their toughest early opponents and I think they can weather the travel they will be doing early. Many believe that the 2nd half of the season will be hardest and I do believe that the Bills and Jets will both pose much harder opponents for them in the 2nd half of the season. I also believe that they might steal one away from the Patriots but it’s really too close to call so I have them being swept.

The period between the first meeting with New England and the last game of the season are going to be very tough. The Dolphins have a three game road trip after that New England game but I do think they can take the Eagles. Dallas is going to be a very tough coming home opponent.

I have the Dolphins going 10-6 but to be honest I originally had them going 11-5 but second guessed myself on the Bills and Jets sweep. If the Dolphins offensive line can protect Tannehill he can have a big season but the Dolphins linebackers and cornerbacks need to have big a big season as well.

As easily as it is to predict the Dolphins will go 10-6 they could just as easily lose six games in the 2nd half of the season and finish 8-8 once again. A lot is riding on this season but predictions based off what little has been seen of the Dolphins defense and the Dolphins offense lead me to believe they are ready for the next step.