2025 NFL Preview: Miami Dolphins Season Outlook, Schedule & Prediction
2025 MIAMI DOLPHINS SEASON PREVIEW
The Miami Dolphins continue to be extremely average. Last season, there were plenty of ups and downs. It began with a 1-3 start that turned into 2-6. Miami would go onto win three in a row to get within .500 and was able to get there at 8-8 heading into the final week — a loss to the New York Jets. It was an 8-9 campaign and the ceiling is not much higher in 2025.
OFFENSE
The offense for the Dolphins has to stay healthy — primarily under center.
Tua Tagovailoa has missed plenty of time during his career with concussion problems. Once he has been sidelined, the offense goes south. When Tua is on the field, Miami can put up some points due to its loaded skill positions.
Along with Tua, the wide receivers will be looking to bounce back. Both Tyreek Hill and Jayden Waddle had down years in 2024. The speedy duo had different problems last season and this hindered progress. Jonnu Smith was traded this offseason but Miami added Darren Waller out of retirement. At his peak, Waller was elite but has been past his prime for years now.
One of the biggest producers is expected to be De’Von Achane. Last season, Achane solidified his role as one of the top pass catchers out of the backfield hauling in 78 passes. Achane did not have that same success on the ground and this was partially because of a poor offensive line. Also, when Tua was out, Achane’s production suffered greatly.
Along the offensive line, there are many questions at tackle. Terron Armstead announced his retirement. This means former second-round pick Patrick Paul is slated to take the reins at left tackle and this is a major question mark. Austin Jackson will take his spot at right tackle but has missed time with injuries in recent years.
The interior has a chance to be better. Robert Hunt and Connor Williams are both gone but Miami added James Daniels in free agency while drafting Jonah Savainaea.
The offense will go as far as Tua and his health takes it.
DEFENSE
The Dolphins knew that it needed to add talent in the front. Zach Seiler led the team with 10 sacks last season but lacked depth.
This led to selecting Kenneth Grant in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Joining Grant and Seiler will be Benito Jones or rookie Jordan Phillips. The Dolphins added multiple players in the front seven, which struggled to replace Christian Wilkins after he left in 2024.
The secondary will likely struggle is in the secondary. This comes after trading Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, Storm Duck and Cam Smith are likely going to be the duo on the outside. Safety has calmed down with the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick in the deal with Pittsburgh. Miami also added Ifeatu Melifonu in free agency.
If there is a strength of the defense, it will be the linebackers. Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dotson return after strong years in 2024. Along the edge, Bradley Chubb is elite and can help provide a pass rush with Jaelen Phillips.
Will the Dolphins’ defense be able to keep the team in games? It does not seem likely.
SCHEDULE
Week 1: at Indianapolis Colts
Week 2: vs. New England Patriots
Week 3: at Buffalo Bills (Thursday Night)
Week 4: vs. New York Jets (Monday Night)
Week 5: at Carolina Panthers
Week 6: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week 7: at Cleveland Browns
Week 8: at Atlanta Falcons
Week 9: vs. Baltimore Ravens (Thursday Night)
Week 10: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week 11: vs. Washington Commanders (Madrid)
Week 12: BYE WEEK
Week 13: vs. New Orleans Saints
Week 14: at New York Jets
Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers (Monday Night)
Week 16: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Week 17: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 18: at New England Patriots
Record Prediction: 7-10