Record prediction: Miami Dolphins have few really tough games in 2021
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have very little standing in their way of a playoff run if they can play as well as they did last year but Tua Tagovailoa will be the key.
On Wednesday, the Miami Dolphins will get to see their full regular-season schedule for the 2021 NFL season. We already know the teams they are playing but do they have a shot at the post-season this year? The answer is yes but that yes comes with the caveat that Tagoavoilao takes an important step forward.
If Tagovailoa can get consistent from week to week, the Dolphins should finish with double-digit wins for the 2nd season in a row and they should be able to make the playoffs. Again, Tua is the key because he will need to run the offense, score points, and become a leader. The Defense should be as good as last year and Miami should be in a position to win many of these games.
AFC East
Miami will play the Jets, Patriots, and Bills twice. They split with New England, swept the Jets, and got swept by the Bills. The final game of the 2020 season in week 17 was atrocious and knocked Miami out of the playoffs. This year, the Dolphins should be able to beat the Jets twice again, should be able to beat the Patriots twice, and split with the Bills. That is a two-game swing from last year alone.
AFC
Miami will face the Jaguars, Ravens, Colts, Raiders, Texans, and Titans.
The Jaguars should be a win for Miami as the Jaguars will be starting a rookie quarterback. The Ravens have given Miami fits over the years but on paper, the Dolphins have enough weapons to control the game. Shutting down the rushing attack of the Titans is the key to beating them as Ryan Tannehill is good but can he lead the team if there is no rushing attack? Last year the Dolphins beat the Raiders in a close game and they will be looking to avenge that loss.
The biggest challenge this year will come from the AFC teams. If Miami can take two of those four games against AFC opponents plus Jacksonville and Houston that gives them four conference wins that are out of the division. I think asking for Miami to win all six games is not realistic but four is a must if they have plans for the post-season.
NFC
The Dolphins will face the Giants in the only out-of-division NFC conference game. They will be the 17th game for the Dolphins and Miami will host them. Miami should be able to beat the Giants who tend to struggle away from MetLife Stadium.
Miami will face a transitioning New Orleans Saints team with questions at quarterback. They will face the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as well as Atlanta and Carolina.
I think the Dolphins should be able to beat the Giants, Falcons, and Panthers and they should be able to compete against the Saints well enough to win as well. Miami could upset the Buccaneers because Brian Flores is very knowledgeable about Tom Brady.
Next. Success starts with the offensive line. dark
Prediction
I predict that Miami will beat the Jets twice, the Patriots twice, the Bills once for five wins. They will beat the Texans, Jaguars, Titans, Ravens, and Raiders for another five wins taking their season total to 10 wins. Miami should be able to beat the Giants, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints for another four wins giving them a 14 win season with losses to the Bills, Buccaneers, and Colts.
14 wins is a big change from last year and a more realistic prediction would be a 12 win season with losses to the Ravens and Saints. Either way, 12 wins get the Dolphins into the playoffs and I think they have a legitimate shot to do that. However, a quick start to the season is an absolute must.