Predicting the Miami Dolphins 2025 Record

It’s finally game week, and the Miami Dolphins will look to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time under head coach Mike McDaniel. The 2025 offseason and NFL Draft saw Miami invest heavily in the trenches while adding proven veterans and key depth pieces. The late off-season acquisitions of Matthew Judon and Rasul Douglas, the return of Kendall Lamm, the emergence of rookie running back Ollie Gordon, and improved special teams play throughout the preseason have reinforced early predictions that this roster is built for a strong rebound.

Miami now has the potential to field one of the most disruptive front sevens in the NFL and an offense capable of returning to its 2023 explosiveness. Health across the roster is improving, but concerns remain in the secondary, particularly at cornerback. Until that position progresses, it remains a limiting factor in projecting the Dolphins’ ceiling.

The Dolphins are scheduled for five primetime appearances and an international showdown in Spain, a clear indication of the NFL’s belief that Miami is one of the league’s most entertaining and competitive teams to watch, although the National media may say otherwise.

Miami Dolphins 2025 Game-by-Game Predictions

Final Record: 11–6

• AFC East Record: 4–2

• Conference Record: 8–4

• NFC Record: 3–2

Key Wins

• at Pittsburgh (Week 14, MNF): A statement primetime win in a cold-weather playoff-style environment.

• vs New York Jets (Week 4): An early divisional victory that helped set the tone for the season.

• vs Los Angeles Chargers (Week 6): A complete team effort against a high-powered offense provided momentum heading into the midseason stretch.

The Dolphins offense and strong front seven will lead to the majority of their wins. They have the clear quarterback and coaching advantage in many games, causing a high floor, barring health.

Toughest Losses

• vs Washington (Madrid, Week 11): Travel fatigue and unfamiliar conditions made for a costly international slip.

• vs Buffalo (Week 10): Being swept by the Bills could be the difference in the AFC East race.

• vs Cincinnati (Week 15): A potential playoff preview that gets away under the lights at home.

The Dolphins secondary will be very telling in how their 2025 season goes. Can they contain they high octane offenses?

Playoff Outlook

An 11–6 finish should comfortably secure a Wild Card berth in a stacked AFC. If Buffalo falters down the stretch, Miami has a path to stealing the division via tiebreakers. The Dolphins start hot at 7–1 before stumbling in the stretches of November and December, but the foundation is there for a postseason run, especially if the secondary solidifies.

Final Thoughts

Between favorable scheduling, manageable travel, and improved depth, Miami is positioned to return to the playoffs. Winnable games against Carolina, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Cleveland should serve as anchors to the record (Miami is just the better team), while divisional matchups against New England and the Jets could determine playoff seeding (do the Patriots and Jets take a leap?).

The addition of Judon and Douglas strengthens a defense already built to pressure quarterbacks and now gives them support on the backend. Lamm’s return adds needed stability up front, while Gordon provides fresh juice to the backfield. Special teams, long a weakness; look sharper and could swing close games.

If Tua Tagovailoa stays healthy, Miami’s floor is at least eight wins. The ceiling pushes into 12+ territory if the Dolphins can take a game from Buffalo and slow down elite offenses like Baltimore, Cincinnati, Washington, and Tampa Bay.

The schedule suggests streaks are likely, but the pieces are in place for Miami to reassert itself as a postseason contender.