10 AFC predictions for Week 1 of 2018 NFL season

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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 09: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Miami Dolphins speaks with head coach Adam Gase during warmups before a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

3. Ryan Tannehill is an underplayed upgrade for Miami

There were actual takes in August 2017 that Jay Cutler was a better quarterback than Ryan Tannehill. Fast-forward two months into the Cutler experiment in Miami, and nobody thought that any more as Cutler was a disaster. But the line of thinking also reflected how much Tannehill is underrated.

Tannehill is still in the middling group of quarterbacks, but he’s maybe the best in that tier due to his superb accuracy, decision-making, and athleticism. He’s often played with a bottom-five surrounding cast including the offensive line and coaching staff until Adam Gase arrived. And yet he’s treated like Joe Flacco.

With the best line he’s had yet, a group of speedy receivers, and a dynamic back in Kenyan Drake, Miami’s offense is going to be a quality unit. Tannehill looked comfortable in the preseason in his new offense. He’ll have to improve his play in clutch situations to win over skeptics, but he’s been far from the issue in Miami throughout his career.