The 2023 NFL Season is here, and the Music City Drive In is getting you ready. Check back each day from now until September 3 as we look at each team and make award and playoff predictions. Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments.

The Dolphins had a solid 2022 season. The squad caught fire, challenging the Bills atop the AFC East. The Dolphins were sitting at 8-3 at the end of November. But the team struggled to keep Tua Tagovailoa on the field and it hurt. The Dolphins sputtered down the stretch, finishing 9-8 and barely qualifying for the playoffs. In the post-season, down to a third string quarterback, the Dolphins lost to the Bills to end their run.

Off-Season Changes

This off-season, the Dolphins saw a few veterans leave the team. The biggest departure was tight end Mike Gesicki. He left to sign in the division with the New England Patriots. The Dolphins lost another player in the division, too, as Trent Sherfield signed with the Buffalo Bills. The team also moved on from backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

In free agency, the Dolphins made a few moves. The team acquired veteran receiver Braxton Berrios and quarterback Mike White from the Jets. The team also traded for Rams’ cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who is now injured and expected to miss a few months. The team also signed former Bengals cornerback Eli Apple.

For the first time in a few seasons, the Dolphins didn’t have many draft picks. But they used one of the few picks they have to bolster the backfield, taking Devon Achane. Achane rushed for 2,376 yards and 21 touchdowns in three seasons with Texas A&M. He joins what’s become and increasingly muddled backfield.

Fantasy Impact

The biggest question for the Dolphins is the health of Tua. He finished as QB15 despite missing four starts. He was also QB12 on a points-per-game basis despite leaving a couple of his 13-starts early. If Tua is healthy back there, he has QB1 upside, and the Dolphins have playoff upside. If he misses, White proved a capable backup in New York, but it will cap the upside of the Dolphins’ offense.

In the backfield, the Dolphins resigned Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert and Myles Gaskin. All three are back and joined by Achane. There is someone in the backfield that will be a good value, but it’s tough to guess. There’s also the possibility that the Dolphins lure Dalvin Cook, and he dominates the touches. If not, Wilson is the back I’m betting on. At RB49, I think he can be an RB3 and return value.

In the passing game, it’s all about Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Both were Top 10 receivers in 2022, with Hill finishing as WR2 and Waddle as WR8. Both have Top 10 upside again, thought Waddle could slip into the high-end WR2 range. Hill is a WR1 for sure. I’m not drafting any other Dolphins receivers or any of the tight ends on the roster.

Prediction

The Dolphins were a playoff team in 2022 and could have been even better. I think Tua will stay healthy this season and the Dolphins will contend for the AFC East title and a playoff spot.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.