Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins. (Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)
The Miami Dolphins will be fighting for a playoff berth this year under head coach Brian Flores.
After a much-improved 2020 NFL season under second-year head coach Brian Flores, the Miami Dolphins should push for a playoff spot once again with their 2021 regular-season schedule.
This year, the Dolphins face the AFC South and the NFC South in their entireties, as well as the annual slate of six AFC East games. For their three competitive balance games, the Dolphins draw the Baltimore Ravens, the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants to round out their second-place schedule. It will be tight, but there is a shot the Dolphins make the playoffs. Will they do it?
Here is a game-by-game prediction for how the Dolphins’ 2021 NFL season could shake out.
Miami Dolphins 2021 schedule predictions: Wins and losses
Miami Dolphins
17
Buffalo Bills
28
Miami Dolphins
30
Jacksonville Jaguars
24
Buffalo Bills
27
Miami Dolphins
23
New England Patriots
23
Miami Dolphins
30
New York Jets
13
Miami Dolphins
31
Houston Texans
14
Miami Dolphins
28
Indianapolis Colts
26
Miami Dolphins
21
Atlanta Falcons
30
Miami Dolphins
31
Carolina Panthers
18
Miami Dolphins
27
Baltimore Ravens
27
Miami Dolphins
20
Miami Dolphins
18
New England Patriots
27
Miami Dolphins
23
New Orleans Saints
28
Miami Dolphins
24
New York Jets
17
Miami Dolphins
27
Las Vegas Raiders
24
Miami Dolphins
20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
35
Miami Dolphins
23
Tennessee Titans
24
New York Giants
28
Miami Dolphins
30
Because Miami hosts the Giants in their inter-conference competitive balance game, the Dolphins have the luxury of getting nine home games this season. While they take advantage of that to some extent, the Dolphins only go 6-3 at home this year with losses to the Colts, the Ravens and the division rival Buffalo Bills. All three of these clubs will make the AFC Playoffs this season.
As for what the Dolphins do on the road, they are only going 3-5. Their three road wins this year will be against the division rival New York Jets, the rebuilding Jacksonville Jaguars and the fading Las Vegas Raiders. While there will be opportunities to win road games at the New Orleans Saints and at the Tennessee Titans, Miami does not have enough offensive firepower to get it done.