Miami Dolphins: The Best Two-Win Team in the NFL
As of Week Eight, the Miami Dolphins stand at a disappointing 2-6, a record that places them in the company of struggling teams like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots. Yet, among this cohort, the Dolphins uniquely stand out. With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back in the fold, Miami has shown flashes of potential that hint at a team far more formidable than their record suggests. Despite back-to-back games with 27 points on the board, the Dolphins narrowly lost to the Arizona Cardinals 28-27 and the Buffalo Bills 30-27. Scoring hasn’t been the issue—it’s been converting close games into wins.
Since Tua's return, Miami’s offense has clicked in a way it hadn’t earlier in the season. The Dolphins put up 27 points in two consecutive games, which should have been enough to secure a win in most NFL matchups. But the team fell short by a single point against Arizona and three against Buffalo, losses that reveal Miami’s true potential when Tua is leading the charge. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill has also looked more like himself with Tua’s presence, posting 72 and 80 receiving yards in the last two games, respectively. For a player who led the league in both receiving yards and touchdowns in 2023, Hill’s contributions have been crucial, but Miami will need him to play at an even higher level if the team hopes to salvage the season.
At 2-6, the path to the playoffs is narrow and steep. To match last year’s impressive 11-6 record, Miami would need to win its remaining nine games. That may sound ambitious, but history shows Miami has been on the cusp of the playoffs repeatedly over the past few seasons. In 2020, the Dolphins finished ten and six but missed the postseason, and in 2021, they were 9-8 without a playoff bid. Only in 2022 and 2023 did they make it to the playoffs. So, even a strong finish doesn’t guarantee a spot, but it would certainly keep them in the hunt.
The upcoming schedule offers a glimmer of hope. Week 10 brings the Los Angeles Rams, who, while improved from their early-season slump, are far from invincible. With Miami playing like it did against Buffalo, a win is within reach. Following the Rams, the Dolphins will host the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots, both teams with records even worse than Miami’s. If Miami can take care of business, they could be five and six by Week 12, shifting from afterthought to contender.
The schedule doesn’t get easier, but Miami has shown that its offense can put up points even against tough defenses. Week 13 has the Dolphins facing the Green Bay Packers on the road—a tough matchup, but one that could be winnable if Miami’s rushing attack creates pressure. The Dolphins will then return home for an AFC East showdown against the New York Jets in Week 14, where a win could build critical momentum. In Weeks 15 and 16, Miami will play the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams have had ups and downs, and if Miami keeps improving, these could be winnable games.
The Dolphins close out their season with two road games against the Cleveland Browns and the Jets. If Miami can make it this far on a winning streak, these games could be do-or-die for their playoff hopes. While many Dolphins fans might be tempted to throw in the towel, Miami’s recent performances suggest this team has more to offer than their record reflects. The Dolphins came close to upsetting the Bills this past Sunday, showing resilience and the kind of grit that could set them up for a strong second-half run.
Yes, their record is 2-6, but when you look beyond the losses, this Dolphins squad has the tools, the leadership, and, perhaps, the schedule to turn their season around. So, while the odds are long, there’s reason to hold on to the best two-win team remaining. If the Dolphins can continue to play with the intensity and offensive firepower they displayed against the Bills, there might be a chance for Miami to deliver a miracle finish. This is not a team ready to give up on its season just yet. And if they can keep up the fight, there might still be reason to believe in the Miami Dolphins in 2024.
