Dolphins Remain at Bottom of Week 6 Power Rankings

The Miami Dolphins showed more offensive fight in Sunday’s 31-24 loss to Cincinnati, but one competitive afternoon was not enough to lift them from the bottom tier of the NFL’s Week 6 power rankings.

Miami enters its bye at 0-5 with a minus-62 point differential, the worst in the league through five weeks. That combination keeps the Dolphins between 30th and 32nd in the major rankings released Tuesday.

Bleacher Report places Miami No. 32 for the second consecutive week. Its panel points to the league’s least successful offense, an inexperienced quarterback in Malik Willis, limited receiver depth, De’Von Achane’s season-altering knee injury and an offensive line that remains inconsistent. The larger assessment is that Miami is in a transition season and experiencing the predictable costs of a rebuild.

Pro Football Network also ranks the Dolphins No. 32, unchanged from last week. The outlet credits Miami’s 217 rushing yards and 6.4-yard average against Cincinnati, but notes that the passing attack remained ineffective and the defense could not stop Joe Burrow from throwing four touchdown passes. Its accompanying metrics rank Miami’s offense 30th, its defense 29th and its playoff odds at 0.2%.

ESPN includes Miami among the bottom three teams with the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Chargers, all 0-5. ESPN’s weekly theme identifies defensive problems around the league, and Miami’s loss supplied familiar evidence: Cincinnati converted nine of 13 third downs and scored touchdowns on three of five red-zone trips.

Yahoo Sports ranks the Dolphins No. 31, ahead of Tennessee. Its summary acknowledges Miami’s fight and grit but argues those qualities have not been enough to produce a victory. FOX Sports also lists Miami 31st and highlights a few positives: Ollie Gordon II has 188 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his two starts since Achane’s injury, and Miami outgained Cincinnati 331-307.

Total Pro Sports provides the most favorable placement at No. 30, up two spots, largely because Miami competed with Cincinnati while other bottom teams suffered uglier defeats.

The consensus is clear. The Dolphins are playing harder and running better, but voters need proof that Miami can protect the football, create a functional passing game and finish close games. The bye gives Jeff Hafley time to improve those areas before the Oct. 25 visit to the New York Jets.