Dolphins Might Be the Best Team in the NFL

The Miami Dolphins are a contender to win everything in the NFL this season.

The Miami Dolphins have gotten off to a strong start and could be one of the best teams in the NFL this season.

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Reasons for Optimism

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Rebecca Blackwell / AP Photo

They rank No. 1 in total offense in the NFL after three weeks, averaging 550.3 yards per game and 43.3 points.

When healthy, Miami was incredible last year. In the 12 games that Tua Tagovailoa started and finished, the Dolphins ranked No. 2 in EPA on offense and scored 29 or more points in half of those contests.

Flying Phins

Miami Dolphins wide receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddler and Braxton Berrios

The Dolphins have some big-play weapons on offense. Michael Dwyer / AP Photo

Tyreek Hill was an amazing addition for the Dolphins in 2022, ranking No. 1 among all NFL receivers with 1,710 yards and seven touchdowns. Fellow wideout, Jaylen Waddle, also produced 1,400 yards and eight touchdowns.

They have started out fast again, with 33 catches, 576 yards, and four touchdowns combined. With Braxton Berrios in the slot and not losing a starter, Miami’s offense has a chance to be elite in the league.

To Do or Not to D

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson sacked by Miami Dolphins defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah

The Dolphins’ defense is their biggest question mark. Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo

The Dolphins’ defense is still a work in progress. They rank 23rd in total defense and gave up 71 points and 1,084 total yards to open the season. But they opened 3-0, blew out the Denver Broncos 70-20, and should grow.

With Vic Fangio replacing defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, expect this unit to limit explosive plays and be more effective.

Health Matters

Miami Dolphins quarterbacks Mike White and Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins backup quarterbacks Mike White with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Steven Senne / AP Photo

Tua’s injury history is what keeps the Dolphin faithful up at night. He is electric when he’s right, but he took a beating last year with some excruciating hits.

Mike White was brought in to back him up should he get hurt. White, although serviceable, is a big step down from Teddy Bridgewater.

Tough Tests

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel fist bumps quarterback Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel loves to compete and win. Rebecca Blackwell / AP Photo

The other major concern is Miami’s daunting schedule. The Dolphins face the third-most difficult schedule this year and are currently operating in one of the most difficult divisions in the league.

AFC East 2023-24

Miami Dolphins -160
Buffalo Bills +165
New England Patriots +2000
New York Jets +2800

Beware of Dolphins

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane

The Dolphins could be doing a lot of celebrating this season. Rebecca Blackwell / AP Photo

The Dolphins are well-coached and have a lot of talent. On offense, they might be the most explosive unit in the NFL with speed at the skill position to terrify opposing defenses.

Miami has not won a Super Bowl since 1973, when the Dolphins won back-to-back titles. But if they can stay healthy, they are a contender to win it all in February.

Super Bowl 2024

San Francisco 49ers +600
Kansas City Chiefs +650
Philadelphia Eagles +700
Miami Dolphins +900

Dolphins Betting Insights

Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips

Is this the year of the Dolphins? Ashley Landis / AP Photo

These are not the same Dolphins of recent years.

The Dolphins had a 9–8 record against the spread in 2022.
Last season, eight Dolphins games went over the point total.
The Dolphins ranked 6th in the NFL in total offense with 364.5 yards per game in 2022 and 18th in total defense with 337.8 yards allowed per contest.
The Dolphins scored 397 points (23.4 per game) last season (11th of 32) and allowed 399 points (23.5, 24th of 32).
The Dolphins went 6-2 at home and 3-6 on the road.
When underdogs, the Dolphins had four victories (4-3) versus a 5-5 record when favored.
The Dolphins were 7-5 vs. the AFC, including 3-3 in the AFC East.
The Dolphins have an 18-17 record as underdogs at home since 2016.

This article originally appeared in the weekly Stadium Talk newsletter with Betting Predators, a sports betting media platform. Subscribe to our newsletter.

The Betting Predators 2023 NFL Premium Package is live. Use code “BETNFL” for $75 OFF any premium package order.

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