Are the Dolphins Outsiders in AFC East?
The Miami Dolphins began the 2020 campaign with an underwhelming performance, but their recent form suggests that they are capable of mounting a charge in the AFC East. Brian Flores’ men were beaten with ease by Cam Newton and the New England Patriots before being edged out by the Buffalo Bills.
However, since then the Dolphins have exploded into life on offense, putting 31 points on the board against the Jacksonville Jaguars and 43 in their emphatic win over the San Francisco 49ers on the road. Even though they were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks, they were the first outfit to put the clamps on Russell Wilson in the campaign, limiting the quarterback to only two touchdown passes.
Based on the standard of their performances and their schedule there is no reason why the Dolphins should not be considered a solid bet to reach the playoffs this term. There will be value on Flores’ men considering that they are a hit and miss team, which makes it a good time to bet on them before it potentially drops with the addition of further victories. The best ways to bet on the NFL are found here, looking at the breakdowns of odds for individual matches and offers available with the leading sportsbooks for games in the 2020 campaign. Monitoring Miami over the course of the season will be a solid option, especially given the fact they are a young team with potential.
Flores is certainly growing into his role in his second season in charge. He had a slow start to his tenure, losing his opening seven games in the 2019 term. However, Miami won five out of their final nine games to finish with a respectable 5-11 record. The 39-year-old has built off the momentum to a degree, despite not boasting a plethora of talent on his roster.
Ryan Fitzpatrick’s consistency at the quarterback position will always be an issue – it has been throughout his career. He has been up and down as ever in the 2020 season. When Fitzpatrick has been on form, the Dolphins have either been competitive or comfortable winners. It’s a good sign for the franchise considering that he will soon turn the position over to Tua Tagovailoa once he proves his fitness. Tua’s potential is limitless and he could take the Dolphins all the way to the top. However, the 22-year-old has to get healthy and up to speed in the NFL first.
There are growing stars on both sides of the ball. DeVante Parker is beginning to develop into one of the leading wideouts in the league, having given Stephon Gilmore a torrid time in the 2019 finale. Parker has battled injuries but has maintained his form to hand Fitzpatrick a number one receiver down the field. Tight end Mike Gesicki is slowly fulfilling his potential by scoring two touchdowns and boasting 281 receiving yards already this term. He is on pace to smash his production from last term.
On the defensive side of the ball, Xavien Howard was already an elite cornerback, but the addition of Byron Jones in free agency has given Miami two of the best perimeter defenders in the league. Emmanuel Ogbah, Shaq Lawson and Kyle van Noy have bolstered the pass-rush, while Jerome Baker is rounding into shape in the linebacking corps. Christian Wilkins has provided an edge in the defensive line, which is further evidence that the Dolphins are slowly clicking into gear.
There are enough positive signs from the Dolphins in the early stages of the campaign. Their upcoming schedule is not overly daunting and it will be a test of whether they are able to take a step forward in year two under Flores. There’s certainly no reason why they are not capable of challenging for a post-season berth.
