The Miami Dolphins are heading into a pivotal 2025 season. Between the hot seat rumors for Mike McDaniel and the team only getting older, the Dolphins need to have a strong 2025 season.
But, according to Moe Moton of Bleacher Report, the Dolphins are predicted to come in last place in the AFC East, behind the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.
"Even though the New England Patriots and New York Jets have new coaching staffs," Moton writes, "Which always brings a level of uncertainty, the Miami Dolphins have glaring question marks that could become flaws in a bottom-out year."
The flaws Moton is referring to are the Dolphins' pass defense not being in great shape, especially after trading away Jalen Ramsey. While All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick is a nice addition, the cornerback room is still terrible.
With Tua Tagovailoa dealing with consistent injuries during his Dolphins tenure, Moton predicts that Zach Wilson will see some run at quarterback this season, potentially starting in multiple games.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks down the sideline during the second half between the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel walks down the sideline during the second half between the Miami Dolphins and the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
If he is out for some time, a last-place finish is a lot more feasible. Tagovailoa isn't the only injury concern, as Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are both working their way back from ACL injuries.
Moton's main point of concern for the Dolphins stems from the injury history of Tagovailoa and the potentially depleted Dolphins defense. Multiple starters are coming off injury, and the cornerback depth is severely lacking.
While the offensive skill group is solid, the Dolphins just traded away Jonnu Smith and replaced him with the previously retired Darren Waller. While the prediction from Moton can be viewed as "mind-boggling," it might not be too far off from what happens.
The Buffalo Bills are likely to win the East, while the Jets and Patriots have massively improved their rosters and coaching staffs from a year ago. Miami could have seven wins but still finish last in the division if the Jets and Patriots play up to their potential this season.
Miami should be better than both, but there's a scenario where the team struggles and drops to the bottom of the division. With the lack of depth, injury concerns, and a leaky secondary, the Dolphins could head toward a disappointing season, as Moton predicts.