Miami’s 2019 season didn’t necessarily go as planned, as the organization didn’t completely bottom out as many expected. Instead, the Dolphins finished the campaign with a 5-11 record, taking them out of contention for Joe Burrows and the first-overall pick.
Still, the Dolphins managed to take a step forward this past offseason. They drafted Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth-overall pick, and they added a number of notable free agents (including cornerback Byron Jones and linebacker Kyle Van Noy).
Will those additions be enough to help the Dolphins take another step in 2020? That’s what we’re attempting to find out. Below, we’ve explored the outcomes for each of the Dolphins’ games next season.
It’s worth noting that we’re assuming veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick will be under center to start the season; considering Tagovailoa’s professional inexperience and injury risk, we think it’ll be a while before the rookie finally hits the field.
With that said, let’s see how the Dolphins will fare next season:
Week 1: @ New England Patriots
Since 2009, the Dolphins are 1-10 playing in Foxboro. Sure, the Patriots may have some uncertainty at quarterback, but they’re still rostering a number of players who guided them to 12 wins last season. Loss
Week 2: Buffalo Bills
Buffalo could end up emerging as the best team in the AFC East, and games in Buffalo are never easy. While the Dolphins should eventually have the talent to top their division rival, that won’t be in 2020. Loss
Week 3: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Don’t let the Jaguars’ 6-10 record from 2019 fool you – Jacksonville could easily be the worst team in the NFL next season. The Dolphins have enough manpower to top them, regardless of who’s under center. Win
Week 4: Seattle Seahawks
These teams rarely meet up, but it’s worth nothing that Seattle has a single win in Miami since 1984. Plus, Fitzmagic should be able to lead Miami to at least one unexpected victory. Win
Week 5: @ San Francisco 49ers
Similarly, the Dolphins have won only a single game in San Francisco since 1985. The Dolphins have no shot against the defending NFC champs. Loss
Week 6: @ Denver Broncos
While it’s never an easy task winning in Denver, the Dolphins arguably have the superior roster. Win
Week 7: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers beat the Dolphins by 20 when these teams met in Miami last September. While these teams may be a bit more equal this time around, the Chargers should still have the firepower to pull off a victory. Loss
Week 8: Los Angeles Rams
There’s plenty of uncertainty surrounding the Rams, but the team could easily be primed for a bounce-back season. Plus, the Rams will definitely be looking to enter their Week 9 bye with a victory. Loss
Week 9: @ Arizona Cardinals
Similar to the Dolphins, the Cardinals are also in the midst of a rebuild. The difference? The Cardinals have already had their franchise quarterback under center for a year, and they started to load up this past offseason. Loss
Week 10: New York Jets
Organizations generally want to give quarterback prospects an opportunity to succeed in their first career start. Well, with the 3-6 Dolphins eyeing a home game against the inferior Jets, it seems like the perfect chance to showcase Tua Tagovailoa. Considering the rookie’s talent (and the lack of professional tape), it wouldn’t be shocking to see him guide the Dolphins to a victory. Win
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: @ New York Jets
The Jets will have another shot at Tagovailoa, this time in their own building. Considering New York has already seen four quarters of the prospect, they’ll be better prepared this time around. Loss
Week 13: Cincinnati Bengals
Records be damned, this will still be one of the most anticipated games of the weekend, as Joe Burrows faces off against Tua. Regardless of what you think about the two quarterbacks, it’s clear that the Bengals need a lot more work before they can suddenly win on the road. Win
Week 14: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have a great chance to repeat as Super Bowl champs, and it’s unlikely a rebuilding Dolphins squad will give them any issues. Loss
Week 15: New England Patriots
While the Patriots have dominated the AFC East in recent years, they’re only 2-5 in their last seven games in Miami. While Bill Belichick always seems to fool rookie quarterbacks, speedy signal-callers are one of his few Achilles heels. If Tua’s for real, he’ll be able to guide Miami to a win here. Win
Week 16: @ Las Vegas Raiders
This seems like a trap game for a Dolphins squad that’s probably out of the playoff picture. The Raiders aren’t very good, but they’re comparable to the Dolphins, and the location serves as the tie breaker. Loss
Week 17: @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills could be battling for top seeding in the AFC, so it’s unlikely they’ll turn to their backups in Week 17. Meanwhile, with the Dolphins out of it, they’ll likely see what they have in some of their bottom-of-the-roster players. Loss
We have the Dolphins finishing the season with a 6-10 record. While that may seem like an underwhelming improvement from a 5-11 2019 campaign, it’s worth noting that we have Tua going 3-4 as a starter. The future is bright in Miami, but they’ll need a bit more time before we start taking them seriously.
