The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Dolphins took a step forward in 2023 with Mike McDaniel. The team was atop the AFC East most of the season, at times posting gaudy offensive numbers. While they slipped behind the Bills at the end, the Dolphins still made the post-season. In a very cold night in Kansas City, the 2023 campaign came to an end. Now, as the Dolphins begin a new season their sights are set on getting an elusive playoff victory. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Dolphins saw a handful of defenders move on this off-season. That included front seven players like Jerome Baker, Christian Wilkins, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Raekwon Davis. The team also saw safety Brandon Jones sign with the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins re-loaded, bringing in former Bills’ safety Jordan Poyer and adding Calais Campbell and Emmanuel Ogbah up front and Anthony Walker, Jr., and Jordyn Brooks at linebacker. The team also brought in veteran receiver Odell Beckham, Jr., to be the team’s third receiver. The Dolphins also made a move to upgrade at tight end, signing Jonnu Smith. Smith caught 50 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns in 2023 for the Falcons.

In the draft, the Dolphins grabbed pass rusher Chop Robinson with their top pick. With a Second-Round selection the team grabbed Patrick Paul to boost the offensive line. Later in the draft, the team added another speedy running back in Jaylen Wright. The former Tennessee star rushed for 2,297 yards and 18 touchdowns in three seasons. He figures to give them more depth and more options.

Fantasy Prospects

Tua Tagovailoa got a new contract and is locked in long-term for the Dolphins. He was QB9 in 2023 and I like him as a QB1 again in 2024. In the backfield, Raheem Mostert was a star in 2023, finishing as RB5. De’Von Achane, meanwhile, averaged 17.3 points per game when healthy. I like both to finish in the RB2 range in 2024. I like Wright more in dynasty, as I suspect he’s a long-term replacement for Mostert.

In the passing game, both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle signed new contracts, too. The Dolphins have their core locked up on offense. In 2023, Hill was WR2, while Waddle finished as WR34 after missing a few games. I like Hill as a WR1 and Waddle as a WR2 this season. The question is what the team gets from Beckham and Smith. I like Beckham to have his moments but finish more as a WR6. I like Smith as a TE2 that ends up as the team’s third option in the passing game.

Prediction

The Dolphins made the playoffs in 2023 but they’re locked in on winning a playoff game in 2024. That means they’ll be pushing for a stronger seed. The AFC East is top-heavy, but I like the Dolphins to edge out the Bills and Jets for the AFC East crown. I think they’ll get at least one playoff win, too.

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.