12 NFL teams who will be playoff contenders in 2015-16
By Will Osgood
4) Miami Dolphins
The sentiment here is similar to the Ravens, as the Miami Dolphins figure to escape a division that’ll be closer than sardines. The Patriots likely were not going to be as good as they were a season ago, even if Tom Brady were not slated for suspension. Without him, it’s nearly impossible to think they won’t take a step back.
The Jets will probably be much improved with the additions of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie in the secondary, which could easily take them from very good to great on the defensive side of the ball. The question for them remains at quarterback, though new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey is the perfect fit for Geno Smith’s skill set.
Still, as we sit here in mid-summer, the Dolphins look like the top team in the AFC East following a wonderful offseason that brought in Ndamukong Suh to make one of the best defensive lines in the league. They also figure to have improved their offense by adding Kenny Stills and veteran Greg Jennings.
If Ryan Tannehill can take the next step, and the odds seem good based on the aforementioned moves by Mike Tannenbaum, the Dolphins will advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2008.
Next: Bolting for LA? Maybe. But for now it's the playoffs.