Week 9, vs. Jets: Win
The fact that they play at the Jets early and get them at home late works out well for the Dolphins. I expect New York to be improved at this point, but not good. Definitely not good enough to win a road game. Look for Miami to sweep the season series against the Jets as they compete for a top draft pick again as the AFC East punching bag in 2018. It’s going to be a long year in New York, but Sam Darnold will undoubtedly be the starter at this point barring injury.
Week 10, @ Green Bay Packers: Loss
Going into Lambeau and knocking off Aaron Rodgers late in the season is a tall order and is probably asking a bit too much of the Dolphins. They do tend to play the Packers well, but this one will be just a bit too much for the Phins. Green Bay had a fantastic draft addressing their secondary, but rookie corners take a few years to develop, so I do expect the Packers defense to be bad.
Nonetheless, Rodgers is the ultimate difference maker. The Vikings have surpassed Green Bay as the class of the NFC North, but the Packers will be in the Wild Card mix as long as Rodgers collarbone stays intact.
Week 12, @ Indianapolis Colts: Win
Coming off a much-needed bye week, Miami should be able to handle business against the Colts. Of course, quarterback Andrew Luck is the big question mark here. Either way though, I don’t expect them to be very good.
It’s been years since they’ve been able to run or stop the run and I don’t see them being particularly good on either side of the ball. There is no reason the Dolphins should lose this game after a bye with the Colts recovering from a smash mouth game against the Titans. Chalk this one up as a W.
Week 13, vs. Buffalo Bills: Win
Josh Allen is not good and LeSean McCoy will likely be beat up at this point of the year at the age of 30. They could have a shot in upstate New York, but they aren’t getting the job done in South Beach. I have very low expectations for the Bills and could see them battling the Jets for last place in the division or even the AFC. This passing attack will be non-existent and that’s a lot to put on this defense. Miami takes this one.