Miami Dolphins fans have high hopes for the 2021 season, and they believe their team is ready to make the playoffs and compete in the AFC. Anything less would be a disappointment after the Dolphins’ 10 win season in 2020, where the Dolphins surprised the NFL world with their turnaround from being one of the worst franchises in the NFL the year before.
The optimism in Miami is how the Dolphins front office has acquired talent in recent years. Early results from the draft seem promising, key veterans have been signed and added to the roster, and the development of younger players to improve not only year over year but week over week in the season has paid dividends, and the Dolphins hope to continue this success moving forward.
The Dolphins could have held on to their No. 3 overall pick for this year’s draft, but instead, they did some trading and ended up with the No. 6 pick and selected Jaylen Waddle (WR). If you’re wondering whether that pick made any difference in the team’s AFC championship odds, the short answer is no. According to some of the sportsbooks listed here, the Dolphins’ current odds to win the AFC title is listed around +1300. There was minimal change before and after the Draft. While each site’s current odds are slightly different, the consensus is that the team is in the top 10 for the conference.
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The addition of Jaylen Waddle and Will Fuller this offseason will only improve a Dolphins offense that was lacking big-play ability last season. Combine that with second-year quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hopefully improving on his rookie season and making fewer mistakes and more big plays, and the Dolphins offense is primed to have a breakout season.
On defense, the Dolphins were very good in 2020, being led by Xavien Howard and his 10 interceptions. Some faces are gone from this group (Bobby McCain, Kyle Van Noy, Shaq Lawson), but some new faces have been brought in to help bring the Dolphins to greater heights on this side of the ball. Such as Benardrick McKinney, Jaelan Phillips, and Adam Butler.
Can the Dolphins make a run at an AFC Championship in 2021? It is maybe asking a little too much, but in years to come, this team will be a force, and one other teams will not want to see on their schedule.
Make a run, sure I think so. I think the offense will be better. Tua is a year removed, with waddle and fuller to stretch the field. I expect a better running game as defenses won’t be able to stack the box. I expect the offensive line to be improved. Plus Tua has been working out and should be in better shape. and if the offense can keep the defense off the field more, that will help also.