It’s been more than two decades since the Miami Dolphins won a playoff game—a 23-17 overtime victory in 2000 over Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. But after three consecutive seasons with nine or more regular-season wins, there’s growing intrigue surrounding the Dolphins as the 2023 season draws near.
Much of that involves quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was having a breakout campaign in 2022 before missing five games with multiple concussions. A quick scan of various preseason prognostications by sports and gambling outlets points to the 25-year-old quarterback from Alabama as the key to Miami’s fortunes.
Here’s a peek at six crystal-ball forecasts for the Dolphins in 2023.
Henry McKenna, Fox Sports
2023 prediction: 11-6
Comment: “It won’t be an easy start for the Dolphins. And I hope the Miami brass doesn’t do anything rash with Tua Tagovailoa during those weeks. Because if they can get through that early stretch without completely burying themselves, the Dolphins can stay in contention for the postseason. Once they make the playoffs, they are Super Bowl contenders. But just like the rest of the AFC East, there’s no sure thing they can actually get into the playoffs.”
Omar Kelly, Sports Illustrated
2023 prediction: 9-8
Comment: “The Miami Dolphins face one of the toughest NFL schedules this upcoming season as the franchise looks to produce its first back-to-back playoff berths since the 2000-01 seasons. … [Buffalo wins its fourth straight AFC East crown], but the Dolphins sneak into the playoffs because of tiebreakers.”
Frank Schawb, Yahoo Sports
2023 prediction: Under 9.5 wins
Comment: “The Dolphins are a tough team to predict, because it’s not like we know if Tagovailoa will stay healthy. The Dolphins could win a Super Bowl, or have a terrible season and be looking at new options at quarterback next offseason. It all depends on a variable that can’t be predicted. If Tagovailoa plays most of the season, the Dolphins will be in the playoffs.”
Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report
2023 prediction: 9-8
Comment: “Miami could be better in 2023, but the league’s second-hardest schedule could keep it out of the postseason.”
Garrett Kerman, Clutch Points
2023 prediction: Over 9.5 wins
Comment: “The Miami Dolphins have all the potential in the world to be legitimate contenders in not just the AFC East but in the entire NFL. Tua Tagovailoa will need to do what he can to keep himself healthy, that will be the key to their success this season. If he is able to keep himself off the injury report and play a full season the sky is the limit for this Dolphins team.”
Derrick Branch, Strike 7 Sports
2023 prediction: 11-6
Comment: “The Dolphins emerge as our projected winners of the highly competitive AFC East, despite facing significant challenges within the division and the conference. The team’s success hinges on the health and performance of Jalen Ramsey [expected out until late in the season with a torn meniscus], Tyreek Hill, and Tua Tagovailoa as they navigate the rigorous stretch of the season and position themselves for a deep playoff push.”
