The Miami Dolphins are eagerly anticipating May 15, when they will receive their official schedule, setting the stage for a critical 2024 season aimed at clinching the AFC East title. After narrowly missing out on the title last year due to a final weekend defeat against the Bills, the Dolphins are determined to make their mark in the postseason for the third year in a row. This ambition hinges significantly on the performance of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, along with strategic adjustments under new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
A crucial lesson from the previous season for the Dolphins is the necessity to triumph over teams with winning records. Their path to postseason success is marred by last year’s shortcomings against above-average opponents, underlining the importance of stepping up their game to instill confidence and competitiveness.
Among the paramount challenges are their divisional matchups, especially considering the AFC East will represent six of their 17 games. To secure a playoff berth and potentially clinch the division title, the Dolphins must outmatch their fierce rivals.
This includes splitting games with the Jets and Bills and targeting a sweep against the Patriots. A highly anticipated Week 2 Thursday Night Football game against Buffalo emerges as a critical early-season test for Miami.
Additionally, the Dolphins face the entire AFC South division, with matchups against the Texans, Jaguars, Colts, and Titans. These games hold significant weight, as they could influence tie-breaker scenarios within the AFC East, emphasizing the need for Miami to approach these encounters with a heightened level of strategic importance.
The Dolphins will also go head-to-head with the Cleveland Browns, a team competing in the robust AFC North, potentially impacting Wild Card tie-breakers. Victories against teams like the Seahawks, Raiders, and Cardinals are considered must-wins for Miami, as these are contests they are expected to dominate.
While out-of-conference games against NFC teams, including road challenges against the Packers and Rams and a home game against the 49ers, are seen as less critical, they nonetheless impact Miami’s overall record and division title aspirations. Last year’s victories set a precedent, but consistent success against quality teams will be pivotal for the Dolphins as they strive to not only reach the postseason but to emerge as AFC East champions in 2024.