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NFL Power Rankings: Which Is the Worst Team After Week 4? 1
The Miami Dolphins remain at the bottom of the NFL power rankings after a brutal opening month of the 2026 season. While there have been a few encouraging moments, the team’s inability to turn those flashes into victories has left it searching for answers at 0-4.
Miami entered Week 4 looking for its first win but suffered another setback that extended its difficult start. The Dolphins have struggled to consistently move the ball, protect the quarterback and create enough plays on defense, leaving them with little margin for error in games that have repeatedly slipped away.
Miami Dolphins, Caleb Douglas
Nov 1, 2025; Manhattan, Kansas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) celebrates with offensive lineman Cash Cleveland (52) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Kansas State Wildcats at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Sewell-Imagn Images
The offensive issues have been particularly concerning as Miami continues adjusting to a new quarterback situation. Malik Willis has provided some athleticism and mobility, but the Dolphins have yet to establish the consistency needed to make their offense a dependable source of production. The lack of sustained drives has placed additional pressure on the defense.
Despite the record, there have been signs of progress that could eventually give Miami something to build around. The Dolphins have shown improved competitiveness in stretches, and their young players have produced flashes that suggest the roster is not completely devoid of talent. However, those positives have not been enough to change their standing near the bottom of the league.
Miami Dolphins Named the Worst Team in Latest NFL Power Rankings After Week 4
Miami Dolphins, Malik Washington, NFL
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (6) takes the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
The Dolphins were identified as the worst team in the league after Week 4 of the 2026 season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Marcel Louis-Jacques for ESPN.
Week 4 result: Lost to the Vikings 15-10
Week 4 ranking: 32
Four words to describe the first four weeks: Light bulb is flickering.
Through the first two weeks of the season, the Dolphins looked like they weren’t ready to compete. In Weeks 3 and 4, however, their defense pushed a pair of undefeated division leaders to the brink. On Sunday, the Dolphins recorded 17 pressures and four sacks — their first sacks of the season — while holding an admittedly struggling Minnesota offense out of the end zone. First-year coach Jeff Hafley said his team is “starting to believe.” Rookie linebacker Jacob Rodriguez said the team is close to its first win: “The physicality and the want-to are there. … We’ve just got to learn how to win.”
The latest power rankings continue to reflect the team’s struggles, with Miami remaining firmly in last place. The Dolphins face a difficult challenge in climbing out of that position because their problems extend beyond one unit, and fixing them will require better quarterback play, more consistency from the offense and greater execution across the roster.
Miami still has plenty of time to change the narrative, but the margin for error is shrinking with every loss. If the Dolphins can turn their encouraging stretches into complete performances, they could begin making small steps forward, but until that happens, they remain the clearest candidate for the NFL’s worst team after four weeks.