Dolphins game-by-game predictions: Can McDaniel lead Miami back to the playoffs in Year 1?
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Miami Dolphins/NFL 2022 season preview
The Miami Dolphins have a new head coach in Mike McDaniel, a new super-speedy wide receiver in Tyreek Hill and a new direction to help quarterback Tua Tagovailoa reach his full potential as he enters his third season as a pro.
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The Dolphins are in Year 1 of the Mike McDaniel era but don’t view 2022 as a rebuild. In fact, their offseason moves suggest they see themselves as contenders for a playoff spot and possibly more.
The front office spent significant cap space to build the offense in McDaniel’s vision and retained every starter on the unit that finished the 2021 season.
Week 1, Sept. 11: vs. New England (1 p.m., CBS): Miami has the element of surprise debuting a new offense. Dolphins 32-24.
Week 2, Sept. 18: at Baltimore (1 p.m., CBS): Baltimore is healthier than last season and better prepared for Miami’s exotic blitzes. Ravens 25-21.
Week 3, Sept. 25: vs. Buffalo (1 p.m., CBS): The Dolphins have the offense to go head-to-head with the Bills but will miss Byron Jones in this matchup. Bills 30-24.
Week 4, Sept. 29: at Cincinnati (8:15 p.m., Prime Video): Cincinnati has the edge with home-field advantage on a short week. Bengals 26-21.
Week 5, Oct. 9: at N.Y. Jets (1 p.m., CBS): With a few extra days of rest, the Dolphins are more than ready for New York. Dolphins 27-24.
Week 6, Oct. 16: vs. Minnesota (1 p.m., FOX): Miami’s secondary limits Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, and the offense does enough to outlast the Vikings. Dolphins 27-23.
Week 7, Oct. 23: vs. Pittsburgh (8:20 p.m., NBC): In Brian Flores’ return to Miami and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the undefeated 1972 team, the Dolphins give Hard Rock Stadium a show. Dolphins 24-17.
Week 8, Oct. 30: at Detroit (1 p.m., CBS): This could be a potential trap game, but Miami keeps the momentum going. Dolphins 23-17.
Week 9, Nov. 6: at Chicago (1 p.m., CBS): The Bears are limited on offense and have an inexperienced quarterback. It could be a big day for Miami’s defense. Dolphins 24-23.
Week 10, Nov. 13: vs. Cleveland (1 p.m., CBS): With Deshaun Watson suspended, Miami faces Jacoby Brissett instead. Major advantage to the home team. Dolphins 23-22.
Week 11: Bye
Week 12, Nov. 27: vs. Houston (1 p.m., CBS): The Texans shouldn’t be too competitive in 2022. Miami continues its winning ways after the bye. Dolphins 26-16.
Week 13, Dec. 4: at San Francisco (4:05 p.m., FOX): Kyle Shanahan gets the better of his former right-hand man in McDaniel’s return to San Francisco. 49ers 26-14.
Week 14, Dec. 11: at L.A. Chargers (4:05 p.m., CBS): Los Angeles not only has the more talented quarterback in Justin Herbert but the superior team. Chargers 27-21.
Week 15, at Buffalo (date and time TBD): Two weeks on the West Coast followed by a Week 15 return to Buffalo? Tough ask. Bills 27-14.
Week 16, Dec. 25: vs. Green Bay (1 p.m, FOX): The Dolphins break their losing skid with a big win on Christmas. Dolphins 25-24.
Week 17, Jan. 1: at New England (1 p.m., CBS): New England makes the adjustments to even the season series. Patriots, 26-13.
Week 18, vs. N.Y. Jets (date and time TBD): In a must-win scenario for their playoff hopes, Miami sweeps its divisional rivals but falls short of the postseason. Dolphins 26-19.
This story was originally published September 7, 2022 at 6:15 AM.
