PhinNation Predictions Part 3: Game by Game Dolphins picks for the 2014 season
vs. Chargers
Take this game and the next game in tandem because I think the Dolphins will go 1-1 over these next 2. They’ll either lose this one or @ Detroit. The fact that they’re at home will help against the Chargers, who have to travel cross-country for a 1pm game. Phillip Rivers scares me because you never know when he’ll go off for 400+ yards. BUT, I think the Chargers defense will give up more than Phillip can score. Prediction: Dolphins 30 Chargers 26 (5-3)
@ Lions
I’m putting the Dolphins down for a loss here because the Lions will be improved this year and playing in Detroit is never an easy task. I love Brent Grimes, but he’s going to have a very difficult time covering Megatron and his freakish size and leaping ability. Prediction: Lions 27 Dolphins 17 (5-4)
vs. Bills
So 9 games through the season, I have the Dolphins hovering around the .500 mark. Ugh, I feel like I’ve seen this movie before. Before heading on the road to play 2 tough games, the Dolphins will get some revenge against the Bills who beat them twice in 2013 (with something called a Thad Lewis) and already once this season. Finally, we beat the Bills!!! Prediction: Dolphins 23 Bills 16 (6-4)
@ Broncos
There are 2 games on the schedule that will be VERY difficult, if not impossible for the Dolphins to win. this game and in 3 weeks at New England. Peyton Manning and his offense will be in high gear by this point in the season. Whatever the over/under is on this one, take the over. Prediction: Broncos 38 Dolphins 31 (6-5)
@ Jets
Finally, the Dolphins get to play their most hated rivals, the Jets. Coming off of a beating from Peyton Manning, the Dolphins will need to regroup. The second game of back-to-back road games is historically tough and when you add in the added experience for Geno Smith by this point in the season, I think this will be another tough one for the Aqua and Orange. Prediction: Jets 24 Dolphins 17 (6-6)
vs. Ravens
Ugh, back to .500. Perpetually .500. Like forever! With a game at New England looming, this becomes a must-win for the Dolphins. I expect the Ravens to take a step back this season, with their team aging and a pedestrian year by Flacco. Dolphins get a win they’ll desperately need by this point in the season. Prediction: Dolphins 23 Ravens 14 (7-6)
@ Patriots
As I said, this is one of two very difficult games on the schedule. I have the Dolphins beating the Patriots opening weekend, but can’t see them sweeping the Patriots. I’d love it, but don’t see it happening. Especially not in a late-season game, in Foxboro. Prediction: Patriots 31 Dolphins 20 (7-7)
vs. Vikings
The Vikings will be improved this season, but not improved enough. By this point in the season, they’ll be hopelessly out of the playoff picture, while the Dolphins will be playing for their head coach’s life. Stopping Adrian Peterson will be a huge challenge, but he’s still a one-man show. Prediction: Dolphins 27 Vikings 20 (8-7)
vs. Jets
Ironic how things work out, isn’t it? Last season, all the Dolphins needed to do was win one of their final 2 games and they would’ve been in the playoffs. They failed miserably. This year, they sit at 7-7 entering the last 2, with both games at home. According to my predictions, the Dolphins will owe the Jets some payback and could be battling with them for a playoff spot. This could be a play-in game. The Dolphins get their payback and redemption from a terrible end to the 2013 season. Prediction: Dolphins 20 Jets 13 (9-7)
So there you have it, I have the Dolphins going 9-7. I don’t think their schedule is impossible, but it’s certainly not easy either. I think they’ll finish somewhere in the 8 to 10 win range, so 9-7 is splitting the difference. I think we’ll see improvement from Ryan Tannehill and the offense, but will it be enough to make the playoffs? We’ll see.