A game-by-game breakdown of Miami Dolphins’ 2015 season
Miami Dolphins beat writer Adam H. Beasley breaks down each Dolphins game this season and predicts the outcome:
Week 1
Dolphins 31, Redskins 10
Washington allowed 27.4 points per game last year. Washington addressed that weakness by drafting an offensive guard in the first round.
Week 2
Dolphins 23, Jaguars 17
Jared Odrick is good. Ndamukong Suh is better. The Dolphins’ new defensive tackle makes more plays than their old one.
Week 3
Bills 13, Dolphins 10
These teams could play 100 times and Buffalo would win 70 of them. Bills defense is simply an untenable matchup for the Dolphins.
*Week 4
Dolphins 23, Jets 6
Without Dolphins-killer Geno Smith (we kid here — mostly), the comedic Jets get punched in the mouth, yet again.
Week 5: Bye
Week 6
Dolphins 26, Titans 13
Marcus Mariota doesn’t throw many interceptions. But he won’t throw many touchdown passes either, at least this week.
Week 7
Dolphins 17, Texans 14
If the Texans had a competent quarterback, they would be a playoff team. The Texans, unfortunately, have Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett.
Week 8
Patriots 38, Dolphins 31
The Dolphins end up on the wrong end of a good old-fashioned, prime-time shootout. Gap closing with New England, however.
Week 9
Bills 17, Dolphins 14
Rex Ryan might never coach a competent quarterback. But he can sure coach defense, particularly against Miami.
Week 10
Dolphins 27, Eagles 24
Yes, Chip Kelly is a mad genius. Yes, the Eagles are tough at home. But no, the Dolphins will not lose three in a row.
Week 11
Cowboys 27, Dolphins 10
The Dolphins are a playoff team. The Cowboys are a Super Bowl team. La’el Collins proves he made the right choice.
Week 12
Dolphins 10, Jets 9
You can’t spell jettisoned playoff dreams without J-E-T-S. Brandon Marshall will surely handle this setback with grace, right?
Week 13
Dolphins 27, Ravens 21
The Ravens historically own the Dolphins, particularly in must-win scenarios. But this is a different Dolphins team. And a new narrative.
Week 14
Dolphins 41, Giants 10
Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry are close friends. After this beatdown, Beckham probably won’t hear the end of it.
Week 15
Chargers 23, Dolphins 21
If the Chargers are indeed splitting for L.A., this game would be closing time for Qualcomm. Chargers send it out in style.
Week 16
Colts 35, Dolphins 20
It can’t happen again, right? Not yet another December meltdown, right? Will the Dolphins ruin Christmas again?
Week 17
Dolphins 27, Patriots 21
Nope. It truly is a new year. And 2016 looks bright for the Dolphins, who clinch their first playoff berth this decade.
*To be played in London.
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 1:00 PM with the headline "A game-by-game breakdown of Miami Dolphins’ 2015 season."