Three Biggest Games: Miami Dolphins

If you had to pick one team to potentially dethrone the New England Patriots in the AFC East in 2015, you might just go with the Miami Dolphins. Of course, that isn’t much consolation considering the Patriots are overwhelming favourites to take the division for the umpteenth time, but the Dolphins are perhaps the only other team in that group that look to be objectively improving with each season. But wins are all that ultimately matters. Here are three Miami needs to contend this season.

Week 4 vs. New York Jets

The Dolphins take their talents across the pond in this early-season division clash. This game, set to start at 9:30am and hence guaranteeing a Sunday crammed full of football, is between two storied rivals whose battles have largely gone unnoticed by the rest of the league. The truth is, the Dolphins and Jets always play competitive games; a fact the neutral fan will learn very soon. The key here is the rapidly improving Tannehill. If he can sort out a new-look Jets defense early, a career day through the air could beckon.

Week 8 at New England Patriots

If the Dolphins truly are up to the task of contending for the division this season, then here’s where they prove it. The first of their two clashes with the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots comes away from home on Thursday Night Football after a short week. There are no moral victories in the NFL. It won’t be enough for Miami to put in a ‘spirited performance’ against a New England outfit that just refuses to lose in primetime. A win here could make their next encounter – a week 17 clash in South Florida – pivotal in deciding a playoff ranking or two.

Week 13 vs. Baltimore Ravens

The always gritty and grinding Ravens mark the first of the Dolphins’ opponents in the final stretch of the season. By week 13, one would expect both teams to still have their eyes on the division crown, but the loser may have to turn attention to the wild card very quickly. Joe Flacco is a different player on the road, and Miami will need to exploit him using their versatile pass rush and opportunistic corners. Following this encounter is a Monday night clash with the Giants, a trip to the West Coast against the Chargers, and the Colts and Patriots back-to-back at home. The Dolphins can mathematically afford a loss this week, but it won’t get any easier from there.