Ranking the Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule from easiest to toughest
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins do not have an incredibly hard schedule in 2021 but every game will count whether it is a hard one or an easy one on paper.
The one true constant to any schedule, no matter the difficulty, is to realize and remember that the term “on paper” does not equate to wins or losses in any given season. We can sit back and rank the games as such but the Dolphins still need to play them.
This year, the Dolphins face opponents who were nowhere close to making the postseason. In fact, the Dolphins will face six teams that drafted in the top 11 of last month’s NFL Draft, and they face the Jets twice.
Miami may be facing some of the worst teams from 2020 but they are also facing some of the better ones too. Miami will face six teams that made the postseason last year including the Bills who they play twice. The Colts made the playoffs thanks to Miami’s loss in week 17 last year but Miami will also face the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. The Dolphins have played the defending Super Bowl champs the last three seasons in a row.
With all this being said here is how we see this year’s games ranking from easiest to the hardest.
Jacksonville – The Jaguars drafted a solid future quarterback prospect in Trevor Lawrence but he isn’t likely going to lift the Jaguars out of the hole they have been in, in one year.
Houston – New coaching staff but they are rebuilding and have a big question mark at QB where DeShaun Watson’s future is uncertain.
New York Jets – The Jets new head coach is a good one and they will get better but a lot of that will ride on rookie Zach Wilson’s abilities and it could take a couple of years.
Carolina Panthers – The Panthers are relying on Sam Darnold to be a franchise QB.
New York Giants – The Giants have a solid running game and Daniel Jones is still finding his way in the NFL but they are getting better.
Atlanta – You have to love the offensive weapons that the Falcons got for Matt Ryan including Kyle Pitts but they still need running back help and a better defense.
Las Vegas – The Raiders are the Raiders and they can be good, look like they will be great, but then really just end up average.
Indianapolis – The Colts made the playoffs last year after Miami whiffed against the Bills. They have a new QB, Carson Wentz but is he the Wentz who led Philly to their Super Bowl season or the one who got replaced?
New England – Defensively, the Patriots are probably one of the best in the NFL but Cam Newton is a liability on offense and Mac Jones is a rookie. They went all-in during free agency with top tight end talent arriving. Will that make them better?
New Orleans – The Saints are going to be interesting this year. No Drew Brees and Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill running the offense. They may stick at the top or fall flat quickly.
Baltimore – The Ravens are the Ravens, consistent from year to year.
Tennessee – When will the Ryan Tannehill wheels start to fall off? They won’t as long as Derrick Henry is running at a high level.
Buffalo – Probably the most well-rounded team in the AFC outside of the Chiefs.
Tampa Bay – The Bucs bought a Super Bowl roster in 2020 and kept almost everyone while adding a couple more pieces but if something happens to Tom Brady…