Miami Dolphins 2011 Football Schedule with Game-By-Game Predictions: A Better Year?

The 2010 season left a lot to be desired for the Miami Dolphins. They finished with a 7-9 record, third place in the AFC East, and no playoffs. Against the Patriots, the kings of the division, who must be contended with to hope for a division title, the Dolphins were beaten 79-21 over two games. Chad Henne struggled with his consistency and accuracy all season, and, for the most part, nothing really stuck out to me as particularly outstanding for the 2010 Miami season -- something the Dolphins are no doubt looking to change in 2011.

I'm using FB Schedules' "2011 Miami Dolphins Football Schedule."

The Miami Dolphins against the AFC East:

Miami is sort of a big mystery box to me when it comes to their division rivalries. It seems that whenever they are supposed to win, they cannot. And whenever they are totally ruled out of it, they manage the victory. This tends to be true against their Boston rivals, who I believe they will split a series with for the 2011 season. The same is true for New York and Buffalo, so I have Miami running a 3-3 record in their division.

The Miami Dolphins against non-divisional opponents on the road:

The Dolphins visit Kansas City, San Diego, Cleveland, Dallas, and the New York Giants in the (hopefully) upcoming football season. I predict a victory against San Diego, but I feel like that's all they're getting from this road run. I think the Browns, Chiefs, Cowboys, and Giants all win, leaving them stuck with a 1-4 non divisional road record for the season. I could be wrong.

The Miami Dolphins against non-divisional opponents at home:

Miami hosts a lot of explosive teams in 2011. They receive visits from the high powered Houston and Philadelphia offenses, both of which I expect them to win. I also expect a victory against the Redskins but defeats against the Broncos and Raiders, enough for a 3-2 home record against non-divisional opponents.

These numbers put Miami at a 7-9 record for the 2011 season, another third place finish in the AFC East. Certainly not what they are expecting for their upcoming season, but it is what I'm expecting (for now).

Reference:

FB Schedules Website, "2011 Miami Dolphins Football Schedule"