Predicting Dolphins 2025 Wins by Schedule

Zak Drapeau
Aug 5
6 min read

by Zak Drapeau 8/5/2025 FansOnlySportz

Team Overview

The Dolphins roster in my eyes has gotten even better over the off season and are one of the most over-looked teams in the entire league. Trading away Jalen Ramsey for Minkah Fitzpatrick has left Cornerback in a weird spot but they have plenty of young players who could rise to the occasion and their work rebuilding their O-line after departures and retirements has been very impressive.

This team still has it's shortcomings but it definitely has it's bright spots too. The pass rush should be even better with rookie Kenneth Grant and sophomore Chop Robinson playing huge roles next season and the playmakers on this offense are as dynamic as ANY team in the league.

So what will hold them back? Well.. in a matter that's so common for us to joke about we forget how brutally serious it really is, Tua Tagovailoa's health will either make or break this team. After his 3rd concussion and 2nd of 2024 alone, some have even given their opinion that the 27 year old should leave the sport altogether rather than risk more brain damage. The Captain-Quarterback signed a 4 year/$212 Million contract before last season and has obviously been the long term plan for this franchise and here's the thing... when he's able to play he's really good. In 2023 Tua would even lead the league in passing yards and almost beat out the Bills for an AFC East title that they only lost to a tiebreaker.

The bottom line is that the Dolphins are a playoff team with Tua and a Top-10 draft pick without him. Will he be able to stay healthy and could that mean the Dolphins make it back to Super Bowl contention in 2025? Let's find out, game-by-game.

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Week 1: @ Colts

This game will be a good test early for the Dolphins. The Colts roster gets a bad rap for its QB-problems but their defense and re built secondary are legit. Tua and his playmakers should still be able to do enough to outduel Richardson though.

Prediction: Dolphins 23-20

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Week 2: vs Patriots

Division opener and home opener at the same time, the Dolphins know they have an advantage anytime the Patriots come to Miami. The Patriots will be a much better team as the weeks progress but as for now do not have enough to hang with the Fins.

Prediction: Dolphins 28-20

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Week 3: @ Bills (TNF)

The biggest test of the season, it should be noted that I had MANY teams fall to the Bills in Buffalo. On top of that a short week and I'm not sure the Fins' defense could stop the Bills no matter where or when they play.

Prediction: Bills 31-24

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Week 4: vs Jets (MNF)

From Thursday night to Monday night, the Dolphins have a much favorable matchup here with their high-powered offense testing the new Aaron Glenn-led defense. This one will be very close but I'll give it to the Fins just slightly for home field advantage.

Prediction: Dolphins 26-24

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Week 5: @ Panthers

The Panthers are a tricky team this season with Bryce Young being inconsistent at best but their defense will need to step up to win games. With the front-7 pass rush and burgeoning secondary, the Panthers could really upset the Fins here if Bryce Young could put together a strong game and I think he could if his O-line keeps him upright.

Prediction: Panthers 28-20

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Week 6: vs Chargers

Luckily getting the Chargers at home instead of in LA, the Chargers' secondary opens itself up for the Dolphins to have an air raid. With the Chargers built around controlling the trenches, they should do just that and make this Dolphins' win one of their hardest fought for the year.

Prediction: Dolphins 28-21

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Week 7: @ Browns

This may come as a shock but I have the Dolphins losing again here because of the matchups. Plain and simple, the Browns have the defense perfectly built to hold the Dolphins. If they have at least decent QB-play here, they should win a low-scoring battle.

Prediction: Browns 19-17

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Week 8: @ Falcons

After a 3-game road skid, the Dolphins are looking to blow off some steam but won't have the easiest time up in Atlanta. The Falcons are similarly built as the Dolphins on offense if Michael Penix lives to his potential. Couple that with a much better secondary and I'll take the Falcons at home.

Prediction: Falcons 31-21

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Week 9: vs Ravens (TNF)

Benefitting from a home game on Thursday, I believe the desperation and defensive shortcomings will lead to a favorable shootout for the Fins. The Ravens have a better offense but the Dolphins easily have a better pass game and that will be the decider here. Quite possibly a huge end-of-the-game game-winning drive.

Prediction: Dolphins 34-31

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Week 10: vs Bills

Luckily still at home, no one wants to face the Bills and Ravens back-to-back. Thankfully, the Fins already have seen them this year and got some momentum after the Ravens win and barely sneak out of this one with another.

Prediction: Dolphins 28-27

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Week 11: vs Commanders (NFL Europe Game)

Their last game before the BYE week, the Dolphins' defense will need to stop Jayden Daniels to have any chance in this one. A much-overlooked fact is that their defense has some stars of their own and Tua will have to outduel Daniels. I see a poorly-timed pick ending this one in heartbreak for the Fins.

Prediction: Commanders 31-27

___________________________________ Week 12: BYE Week

At 6-5 the Dolphins season has been a rollercoaster. Starting 3-1, they would be the victim of a tough road game-part of their schedule but come back to win huge games versus AFC titans. With a 6-0 record at home, the Dolphins will need to focus on success in their road games to make a late season push for the playoffs.

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Week 13: vs Saints

But starting at home after the BYE, the Dolphins have an extra week to gameplan against the formidable secondary of New Orleans. Thankfully, even if they struggle a bit there's no chance Tua gets outdueled here... unless he's already injured.

Prediction: Dolphins 27-17

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Week 14: @ Jets

Another AFC East test against a very good defense and on the road too. The Jets lost the first matchup of the year but they come to play this time. Behind Sauce Gardner and this secondary, Tua won't do enough and the Dolphins fall to 0-5 on the road.

Prediction: Jets 27-24

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Week 15: @ Steelers

The frightening defense of the Steelers this year is a matchup nightmare for the Fins but luckily so is the Fins' defense to the Steelers. This is going to come down to a battle between Rodgers and Tua and ready to finally buck the trend, I'll have Tua going over here.

Prediction: Dolphins 27-24

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Week 16: vs Bengals (SNF)

Coming down to the wire here for both teams, every game is crucial. Both at 7-7 at the moment, the Bengals are the exaggerated version of the Dolphins-offensive mentality. Joe Burrow will be too good and outduel Tua here in a thriller on Sunday night.

Prediction: Bengals 38-35

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Week 17: vs Buccaneers

Another shootout for the ages, the battle of Florida will come down to what QB makes less mistakes as each offense can overpower each defense. If you've seen my Season Award Predictions, you'll know I have big aspirations for Baker this yer and this game will be his finest moment.

Prediction: Buccaneers 45-35

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Week 18: @ Patriots (TBD)

Both teams are 8-8 and the final Wild Card spot will go to the winner. In New England, Tua has to battle the Patriots' defense who are firing at full speed at this part of the season. The Patriots are a young and rebuilt team that will be miles better than they were for the first matchup and it shows, ending the Dolphins season in heartbreak.

Prediction: Patriots 24-23

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The Dolphins go 8-9 with a 6-2 record in Miami and a 3-3 record within the AFC East division.

The Fins second half of the season is much tougher than their first half and that will be the reason they miss out on these playoffs. With a 2-5 record in their final 7 games, they would also lose their final two home games after starting off 6-0 in Miami.

The Dolphins offense was as good as advertised this season with Tua, Tyreek, Waddle and Achane all having great statistical seasons. Unfortunately, the defense doesn't hold its end of the bargain and gives up huge losses to the Bengals and Buccs. The trade of Jalen Ramsey plays a huge part on the Dolphins missing the playoffs but this team still has a lot of youth and may still be at the beginning of their Super Bowl-window.

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