Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 32
Next
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 03: Ryan Tannehill
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 03: Ryan Tannehill /

26. Miami Dolphins

First-time head coach Adam Gase has plenty of work ahead of him down in South Beach. The Dolphins, who have not won a playoff game since 2000, are starting fresh once more, this time having poached Gase from the Chicago Bears, where he served as offensive coordinator.

Gase’s first and most important chore will be to make Ryan Tannehill an elite quarterback. Tannehill threw for more than 4,200 yards last season, but still struggled to get the ball downfield. With receivers like Kenny Stills and Jarvis Landry, Miami has the weapons to develop a nice vertical passing attack.

To run deeper routes, though, the Dolphins need better work out of their offensive line. Miami has invested heavily in Ju’Wuan James, Branden Albert, Mike Pouncey and Laremy Tunsil, who were all first-round picks (all by Miami save for Albert). Tannehill has played under duress most of his career, and the current line gives reason to believe that will continue.

Without running back Lamar Miller or a quality tight end in the fold, Gase will have to scheme the Dolphins into good situations. With the defense losing so much talent this offseason in Brent Grimes and Olivier Vernon, it’s on the offense to score in bunches.

Record prediction: 5-11

Next: No. 25 New Orleans Saints