Miami Dolphins 2022 Preview: Optimism is running high for pigskin fans in the magic city, with 39-year-old rookie head coach Mike McDaniel taking over a talented team with some new offensive toys. The collaborative McDaniels is the polar opposite of former ‘Phins head coach, Brian Flores, who failed to connect with players despite doing an excellent job of rebuilding the team into a contender. Miami’s physical top-5 defense is littered with playmakers and could take the fish deep into the playoffs provided that the new offensive pieces jell together. Will the relatively unproven McDaniel make good on his reputation as an offensive mastermind? ESPN2 News handicappers break down the revamped Dolphins with our expert 2022 NFL predictions.

Patriots vs Dolphins NFL Week 1 Odds 2022 have Miami -2.5 with standard -110 juice at BOVADA.LV 

Miami Dolphins 2022 Preview

Offense: The Dolphins have one of the best receiving corps in the NFL, with the addition of dynamic Tyreek Hill (4.28 speed) joining sure-handed Mike Gisecki and Jaylen Waddle. A stagnant running game should be more potent with speedster Raheem Mostert (4.38 speed) and versatile Chase Edmonds (5.1 YPC) running behind newly added Pro-Bowl left tackle Terron Armstead (5-year $75M) and left guard Connor Williams (2-year $14M). The offense boils down to the southpaw arm of quarterback Tua Tagliovola, who has been accurate and mobile but unable to connect with the deep ball. Tua showed off improved arm strength this offseason via social media throwing a 71-yard bomb during a recent workout.

Defense: The secondary is the strength of the defense led by All-Pro cornerback Byron Maxwell, ball-hawking safety Jevon Holland and veteran Byron Jones. The linebacking corps boasts two high-motor linebackers in Jerome Baker, and Andrew Gan Ginkel, who will be joined by hard-hitting 3rd-round pick Channing Tindall. The D-line has budding stars in DE Emmanuel Ogbah (9.0 sacks), DT Christian Wilkins (10 tackles for loss), and 2021 1st round pick Jaelen Phillips (8.5 sacks).

Special Teams: Miami rewarded Jason Sanders for a stellar 2020 season with a 5-year $22 million contract only to have him finish with a poor 74.1% field goal percentage. The punter position also looks shaky with 13-year trail horse Thomas Morstead slated to be the starter. Miami lost a weapon in returner Jakeem Grant who was one of the best in the business.

ESPN2 News Outlook: After a 9-8 2021 finish Miami returns their hard-hitting defense that has continuity with the return of aggressive defensive coordinator Josh Boyer. After building through the draft and free agency this is arguably the most talented Miami has fielded in over a decade. The AFC East is improved as a whole but Miami’s defense and continued improvement on offense will carry Miami to a 9-8 or 10-7 finish. Bet the over 8.5 win total.

2022 NFL Predictions

Over/Under 8.5 Wins: Over 8.5 at -120 juice

2022 NFL Week 1 Odds Patriots vs Dolphins 

Spread: Dolphins -2.5

Total: 44.5

NFL Week 1 Predictions 2022: Dolphins -2.5

2022 Miami Dolphins Power Ratings 1-100

Coaching: 75

Quarterback: 75

Running Back: 80

Receivers: 90

Offensive Line: 75

Defensive Line: 80

Linebackers: 75

Secondary: 85

Special Teams: 65

Overall: 700

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