As the dust settles from Super Bowl LIX, the Miami Dolphins are looking ahead to the 2025 NFL season with a lot of hope and optimism. With key players like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and Jevon Holland, the Dolphins are poised to be a major contender in the AFC. Now that the Super Bowl has concluded, various outlets and analysts have updated their power rankings for the NFL, and the Dolphins’ placement in those rankings will be a reflection of their offseason moves, the performance of their key players, and the strength of their roster heading into the next season.
Here’s a roundup of how the Miami Dolphins are being viewed following the conclusion of Super Bowl LIX and their position in NFL power rankings.
Power Ranking Overview
- NFL Network’s Power Rankings The NFL Network’s power rankings often take into account both team performance and offseason moves. Following Super Bowl LIX, the Dolphins are likely to find themselves somewhere in the middle of the top 10, reflecting both their promising future and the competitiveness of the AFC. The Dolphins have a top-tier offense, and their defense is improving, but some question marks may remain—particularly surrounding consistency and depth in the defensive secondary and whether Tua Tagovailoa can stay healthy.
- Ranked: #8
- Outlook: The Dolphins have a highly explosive offense, but questions about consistency and depth will likely keep them out of the top five for now.
- ESPN’s NFL Power Rankings ESPN’s rankings tend to favor teams with sustained success and playoff appearances, and the Dolphins’ strong finish to the 2024 season should have them ranked in a solid position. With their dynamic receiving corps, including Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, as well as the rise of Tua Tagovailoa, Miami could be ranked as a top-10 team entering 2025.
- Ranked: #9
- Outlook: The Dolphins have all the ingredients to be a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2025, but they still need to prove they can beat the league’s best teams consistently. If they can add depth to their defense and improve the offensive line, they could push for a higher ranking.
- CBS Sports Power Rankings CBS Sports usually takes into account a combination of talent, coaching, and past performance when generating their rankings. The Dolphins are viewed favorably due to their offensive firepower and the development of Tua Tagovailoa under head coach Mike McDaniel. With a possible addition to the defense in the offseason, CBS Sports could have Miami just outside the top 5, placing them near the elite teams in the AFC.
- Ranked: #7
- Outlook: The Dolphins are a dangerous team with top-tier playmakers on offense. With another offseason to bolster their defense, they could rise in the rankings. The health of Tua Tagovailoa and his continued development will be key.
- Pro Football Focus (PFF) Power Rankings PFF’s rankings often place emphasis on advanced statistics, including player grades and overall team efficiency. With Miami boasting a highly efficient offense and a defense led by emerging stars like Jevon Holland, they might rank just outside the top 5. Still, questions remain about consistency and depth in critical positions such as linebacker and defensive line.
- Ranked: #6
- Outlook: Miami is certainly trending in the right direction, but PFF may have concerns regarding the depth of the roster and their ability to compete with the upper echelon teams in the AFC. If they add pieces in free agency, expect their ranking to rise.
- USA Today’s NFL Power Rankings USA Today typically gives a strong look at teams’ potential to make a deep playoff run. The Dolphins, with their explosive offense and competitive defense, could rank within the top 10 due to their solid 2024 season. Their ranking may also depend on the offseason moves they make in free agency and the draft.
- Ranked: #8
- Outlook: The Dolphins are in a good spot but still need to prove they can compete with the top teams like the Chiefs and Bengals in the AFC. The potential to go even further is certainly there, especially if they strengthen their defensive line and secondary.
Miami Dolphins’ Strengths and Weaknesses
As we reflect on these power rankings, it’s important to take into account what the Dolphins have working in their favor and where they may need to improve:
Strengths
- Explosive Offense: With Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and a developing Tua Tagovailoa, Miami has one of the fastest and most dangerous offenses in the league. They can stretch defenses vertically and horizontally, keeping opponents guessing.
- Coaching: Mike McDaniel has quickly established himself as one of the top young coaches in the league. His ability to design creative offenses and adapt to his players’ strengths has been a key part of the Dolphins’ success.
- Playmaking Secondary: Jevon Holland is an emerging star, and with Xavien Howard on the other side, the Dolphins’ secondary is capable of making game-changing plays. This is a major strength that helps Miami stay competitive in high-scoring games.
- Speed: The Dolphins’ roster is full of speedsters, not only in the receiving corps but also in their running back room. This allows them to create mismatches on offense and put pressure on opposing defenses.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent Offensive Line Play: Despite the explosive skill players, the offensive line still needs work to give Tua Tagovailoa more time to operate and provide better protection in the pocket. This is a key area to address in the draft and free agency.
- Depth on Defense: While the secondary is solid, the Dolphins may still need to add more talent to their defensive line and linebacker corps to become a true Super Bowl contender. The defense can be susceptible to strong running games and mobile quarterbacks.
- Tua’s Health: Tua Tagovailoa’s health will always be a major question mark for Miami. The Dolphins need him to stay healthy for a full season, and they’ll need to have a backup plan in place if injury issues arise again.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Be Done in the Offseason
While Miami’s rankings heading into 2025 reflect their potential, it’s clear that there are areas where they could improve:
- Offensive Line Upgrades: Addressing the offensive line will be crucial to give Tua Tagovailoa the protection he needs to thrive. Miami might target an experienced tackle or guard in free agency or the draft.
- Defensive Reinforcements: Adding depth to the defensive line or linebacker corps should be a priority. A pass rusher or another playmaker on defense could help take the Dolphins to the next level.
- Quarterback Depth: While Tua is the starter, ensuring they have a reliable backup who can step in when needed is a critical part of their offseason planning.
- Special Teams: Miami will want to ensure their special teams units remain strong, whether through a reliable kicker or dynamic return man. Special teams can be a difference-maker in close games.