Miami Dolphins Predictions for 2025 Season and Super Bowl Picks

The South Florida Sun Sentinel has shared its predictions for the Miami Dolphins’ performance in the upcoming 2025 NFL season, which kicks off on September 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. The staff’s assessments reflect a mixture of optimism and caution, particularly regarding the team’s ability to compete effectively in a challenging league.

Expert Predictions for the Dolphins

Dave Hyde, a sports columnist for the publication, predicts the Dolphins will finish the season with a record of 8-9. He notes that while the team possesses significant talent, there are “too many glaring holes” to anticipate a standout season. Key concerns include the secondary’s vulnerability in a league dominated by passing and the lack of depth on the offensive line. Hyde highlights the early schedule, which includes winnable games against the Colts, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers, as a potential confidence booster for the team.

In contrast, Chris Perkins, a Dolphins columnist, offers a slightly more optimistic forecast with a 9-8 prediction. He emphasizes that the main challenge during Coach Mike McDaniel‘s tenure has been the inability to defeat playoff-caliber teams, despite having a healthy quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Perkins points out that the Dolphins have struggled against elite competition, holding a 4-16 record against playoff teams under McDaniel. As for the Super Bowl, he foresees a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions.

David Furones, another Dolphins writer, aligns with Perkins in predicting a 9-8 record, although he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s health throughout the season. Furones believes that if McDaniel can reignite the offense, particularly the running game, it could lead to significant success in the early part of the schedule. He also predicts a Super Bowl between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles, citing the Bills’ potential to finally break through in the AFC.

Optimism and Caution Among Staff

Kathy Laughlin, the sports editor, takes a more hopeful stance, forecasting a 10-7 record for the Dolphins. Laughlin expresses that the team has had sufficient time to gel and that McDaniel could strike the right balance to motivate the players. She also suggests that if the offensive line holds up and the running game is effective, the Dolphins could exceed expectations. Her Super Bowl prediction also pairs the Kansas City Chiefs against the Detroit Lions, citing Patrick Mahomes‘ enduring excellence.

On a more pessimistic note, Steve Svekis, an assistant sports editor, predicts a 6-11 season. He acknowledges some positives in the team’s front seven but expresses concerns regarding the secondary and Tagovailoa’s ability to perform against stronger opponents. Svekis anticipates the Dolphins will struggle to make the playoffs, ultimately predicting a Super Bowl matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles.

As the Dolphins prepare for the 2025 season, their fans are eagerly awaiting how the team’s performance will unfold in a highly competitive landscape. The combination of talent and unanswered questions will undoubtedly make for an intriguing season as Miami seeks to assert itself in the NFL.