Meeting or Exceeding Expectations For The Miami Dolphins

Meeting or Exceeding Expectations For The Miami Dolphins

As the 2025 NFL season begins, the Miami Dolphins find themselves under a cloud of skepticism. Vegas oddsmakers place their projected win total at just 8.5, a figure that reflects the uncertainty surrounding this squad rather than a confident belief in a postseason rebound. In the media, the sentiment is even harsher; multiple outlets have forecast Miami to win just five or six games. This includes predictions from Sports Illustrated and NFL.com, where analysts pointed to a tough schedule and roster instability as red flags.

By most accounts, the Dolphins are not viewed as contenders, but as a franchise teetering on the edge of mediocrity.

Veterans have brushed off the outside noise entirely, emphasizing the team’s focus on internal growth and resilience. It’s a team that feels underestimated, and possibly rightly so. Despite the national skepticism, the Dolphins have several reasons to believe they could outperform expectations in 2025.

Their defensive front, for example, looks significantly upgraded. With the returns of Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb from injury, plus the addition of Matthew Judon, Miami now boasts one of the more intimidating pass rush rotations in the league.

This kind of pressure up front could compensate for some of the shortcomings in the secondary and shift the identity of the entire defense. That’s important, especially since the team has suffered several key losses on the back end, including the season-ending injury to cornerback Kader Kohou. The secondary remains a major question mark, but a strong defensive line can help cover for it, at least in part.

Offensively, the core weapons are still among the most explosive in the league. Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle return as one of the fastest wide receiver duos in football, and if De’Von Achane can stay healthy, the backfield adds another layer of speed. Even with some injuries, this group is capable of scoring in bunches. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa continues to rank among the most efficient passers in the NFL when protected. If the offensive line can hold up, thanks to additions like James Daniels and rookie Jonah Savaiinaea, the Dolphins could reclaim their status as one of the top big-play offenses in the league.

Their schedule, while challenging, also presents opportunities. A pivotal stretch from Weeks 9 through 11, featuring games against the Ravens, Bills, and a neutral-site contest in Madrid versus Washington, could define the season. Success during that stretch would likely signal that Miami is not just competing, but contending again. The road games, which have historically been a weak point for the Dolphins under Mike McDaniel, may finally tip in their favor this year if the team can find early rhythm and stay healthy.

The injuries in the secondary are a legitimate threat to the defense’s consistency. Tight end depth is razor-thin, with Darren Waller struggling to get back on the field. Tyreek Hill was not named a team captain, a move that raised eyebrows around the league. While Hill downplayed the change, it could hint at evolving roles and power structures inside the locker room.

There’s also pressure on Mike McDaniel. Despite his creative offense and likable personality, another disappointing season could raise serious questions about his long-term fit in Miami. He’ll need to deliver more than offensive fireworks; the team needs wins and possibly a playoff berth to validate his tenure.

In the end, the Dolphins are a team at a crossroads. The national media isn’t expecting much. But that might be the fuel this roster needs. With a little luck on the injury front, a few defensive breakthroughs, and consistent play from Tua, they could absolutely surpass expectations and re-enter the playoff conversation. If they fall short, though, it won’t be because the warning signs weren’t already visible.