Miami Dolphins First Quarter of Season Predictions
Game 1: Dolphins vs Jaguars Week 1 (9/8)
For the first time in three years, the Miami Dolphins travel to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars; however, this time it is on home soil. Considering the last game was in the Brian Flores era, it seems like this could be a lot different of an outcome. While still having some strong pieces, especially on the offensive side of the ball, the Dolphins come out firing on all cylinders in the third year of the Mike McDaniel era. The defense makes a few crucial stops and Kendall Fuller nags a pick or two of Trevor Lawrence. Give me the Fins to cover the spread and outright win.
Pick: Dolphins 29, Jags 20
Game 2: Bills vs Dolphins Week 2 (9/12 – TNF)
The Buffalo Bills are probably one of the last teams the Dolphins want to play. Since 2019, the Fins have gone a mind-boggling 1-10 versus their divisional foes, with the lone win coming at home in 2022 (21-19). However, the tides seem to have changed surrounding this game. Both teams have lost a variety of star players, with the Dolphins and Christian Wilkins/Robert Hunt, and the Bills with their superstar receiver Stefon Diggs. In his one full season without Diggs, quarterback Josh Allen threw just 3089 yards. Along with that, a number of starters on the Bills’ defense will not be returning, and with injuries added in there, it seems like this could be a rough season for the Bills. I wouldn’t count them completely out of this game, as with coach McDermott, anything is possible, but Miami should and will need to put this away if they want any chance for that uncontested division win.
Pick: Dolphins 36, Bills 24
Game 3: Dolphins vs Seahawks Week 3 (9/22)
For arguably the toughest test of their first quarter, the Dolphins travel to face the Seattle Seahawks for Week 3. Miami last beat the Seahawks in 2012, and have lost by a combined score of 43-33 in their last two meetings. This team is a lot different than those last two teams that played Seattle, as the men running the helm were Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Tannehill, while they are now lined with Tua Tagovailoa and a lot more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. Going into Seattle and winning is no easy task, especially with the 12th man, but to win, the Dolphins will have to get behind the Seattle safeties. Look for multiple deep touchdowns, especially to Tyreek Hill, as he continues his ravaging through NFL defenses. Seattle keeps it close, as Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf combine for 2 touchdowns in this low-scoring affair.
Pick: Dolphins 16, Seahawks 13
Game 4: Titans vs Dolphins Week 4 (9/30 – MNF)
Diehard Dolphins fans don’t need much reminding about this game. Following a two-touchdown swing, the Tennessee Titans proceeded to score twice in the final 2:40 to beat the Dolphins last season on MNF in Miami. This game ultimately was very consequential, as the Dolphins failed to win the division, and instead of having a game at home against the seventh-seed Pittsburgh Steelers, they ended up being forced to go to frigid Kansas City to take on and lose to the eventual Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. This game, as all others above, will be different. Miami no longer runs on a defense run by Vic Fangio and should have Hill for the whole game, as well as a healthy defensive secondary. Along with that, the Dolphins have a lot more film on Will Levis, which will ultimately limit the amount of big plays the Titans have on offense. The non-Derrick Henry Titans regress and the Dolphins win by 3 scores on a day where all phases of the ball succeed.
Pick: Dolphins 24, Titans 7
Main Image: JIM RASSOL/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
