JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Miami Dolphins had a rollercoaster season in 2022. But at the end of the day, they finished 9-8 and were eliminated in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. They did put up a serious fight against Buffalo in the playoff game, though. Even with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, the Dolphins looked good. Head coach Mike McDaniel looks like a great hire. This team should be a contender in 2023, especially if Tua Tagovailoa is healthy.
Week 1 vs Los Angeles Chargers: Loss (0-1)
I have the Chargers winning their season opener in Los Angeles. Tagovailoa may be a little rusty coming back from injury. This should be a great game when it’s all said and done.
Week 2 vs New England Patriots: Win (1-1)
Miami gets its first win of the season in week two. Tagovailoa starts to get back into the rhythm of things and their offense will be in full form.
Week 3 vs Denver Broncos: Win (2-1)
The home opener for the Dolphins will be a good one. This game should be a close battle and I can see it coming down to the last play. After it’s all said and done, the Dolphins get the win against a tough Denver defense.
Week 4 vs Buffalo Bills: Loss (2-2)
Miami lost this game last season, and I have them doing so again in 2023. Miami will put up a great fight, and it will more than likely be decided by whoever has the ball last.
Week 5 vs New York Giants: Win (3-2)
I have this being a big win for the Dolphins. The season will start to be better for Miami from here on out. The Miami offense will be too much for the Giants to handle.
Week 6 vs Carolina Panthers: Win (4-2)
This could possibly be a tune up game for Miami. There should be no shortage of offense in this game and I can see everyone getting involved. This game could be a blowout.
Week 7 vs Philadelphia Eagles: Loss (4-3)
This may be one of the best games of the season. It’s on a Sunday night in Philadelphia, and it could very well end up being a shootout. I have it as a loss for Miami, but it could really go either way.
Week 8 vs New England Patriots: Win (5-3)
At this point in the year, I can see the Patriots being desperate. This should be a close game, and it may actually be a defensive game. I still have it as a Dolphins win, as Miami will sweep New England in 2023.
Week 9 vs Kansas City Chiefs: Win (6-3)
This game will be fireworks. Tyreek Hill playing against his former team in the Kansas City Chiefs. This, to me, looks like a statement game for Miami. They shock everyone and get the big victory over the defending champions.
Week 11 vs Las Vegas Raiders: Win (7-3)
I have Miami winning this game with their offense. The Raiders have a poor defense and I can see the Dolphins’ offense expose it. A three game win streak for Miami.
Week 12 vs New York Jets: Loss (7-4)
I see Aaron Rodgers and the Jets winning this game in Miami. The Jets defense will give the Dolphins offense some trouble, and they won’t be able to get much going until it’s too late.
Week 13 vs Washington Commanders: Win (8-4)
This should be an easy win for Miami here. The Commanders season may be in the dumps at this point, and it will get ugly quick. I see a blowout written all over this game.
Week 14 vs Tennessee Titans: Win (9-4)
Another big win for Miami here. Possibly, another blowout. It depends on the quarterback situation in Tennessee. Either way, this should be a big day for the Dolphins offense.
Week 15 vs New York Jets: Win (10-4)
After a tough loss to the Jets in week 12, the Dolphins redeem themselves. A big day for the offense all around after being shut down in the previous matchup.
Week 16 vs Dallas Cowboys: Loss (10-5)
The Cowboys get the best of Miami at home in week 16. A big win for the Cowboys late in the season and a tough loss for Miami. The Cowboys pass rush will be too much for Miami to handle. This should be a great game nonetheless.
Week 17 vs Baltimore Ravens: Loss (10-6)
Back-to-back losses for Miami this late in the season may brew up some worries. These two had a spectacular game last season. I don’t see it being any different this year. I think Baltimore gets the lead in this game though, and they’ll keep it this time.
Week 18 vs Buffalo Bills: Win (11-6)
A huge win for Miami in the season finale, at home versus a division rival in the Buffalo Bills. After everyone panics about the week 16 and week 17 loss, this win quiets all the talk. It should be a fun game to watch.
Overall: 11-6
If Tagovailoa stays healthy, there’s no reason Miami isn’t one of the better teams in all of football. They have one of the best offenses in the league when healthy. And newly acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey will definitely help out on defense. This team is a legitimate contender, and could even be better than what I have predicted.
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