By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

The Dolphins took some salary-cap- hits on the defense this offseason, but let’s be serious: you don’t pick the Dolphins to win games because of their defense.

Their offense finished top five in total points, yards and completion percentage last season. We are still witnessing the prime of WR Tyreek Hill’s career, and Tua Tagovailoa should only improve at QB1.

Miami will hope that it can take the next step as a championship team under head coach Mike McDaniel. What does their case look like?

Oddsmakers are cautiously optimistic about the talented roster of the Dolphins, counting on the team to flirt with double-digit wins despite an incredibly competitive schedule in the AFC East.

Despite four consecutive winning seasons and back-to-back trips to the postseason, the Dolphins still haven’t won a playoff game since Bill Clinton was President.

Week 1 vs. Jaguars: Win

Week 2 vs. Bills (TNF): Win

Week 3 at Seahawks: Win

Week 4 vs. Titans (MNF): Win 

Week 5 at Patriots: Win

Week 7 at Colts: Loss

Week 8 vs. Cardinals: Win

Week 9 at Bills: Loss 

Week 10 at Rams (MNF): Win

Week 11 vs. Raiders: Win

Week 12 vs. Patriots: Win

Week 13 at Packers (Thanksgiving Night): Loss

Week 14 vs. Jets: Win

Week 15 at Texans: Loss

Week 16 vs 49ers: Loss

Week 17 at Browns (SNF): Win

Week 18 at Jets: Win

Final record prediction: 12-5 

The AFC East will be difficult as usual with the Jets expected to be far better with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. It looks like the Bills might take a step back this year  after several cap casualties this offseason.

The Dolphins have proven it can play with some of the best for most of the regular season, can it stay healthy and take the next step?

If the Dolphins get off to another hot start, they’ll be in a good position to handle another hellsome gauntlet at the end of the season with three playoff teams in the last four weeks.

The third time might be the charm for McDaniel and the Dolphins, they’ll pull out wins late in the season and claim the division title.