The Dolphins are a better team than the Patriots right now

[Dolphster]

I heard Mike and Mike on ESPN during the drive to work this morning and although they were talking about a different team, their point seems to apply to the Fins as well.  It kind of goes back to the other point about the Dolphins finding a way to lose games that they shouldn't lose.  They are an average to just above average team.  And teams that fall into that category cannot afford to make mistakes.  As I thought about Mike and Mike's comment, I think that although it sounds like a really simple and obvious statement, it really does say a lot about the difference between the elite teams and the average teams.  A really good team finds a way to win even when they are not playing at their best or when they make stupid mistakes.  An average team wins when they are playing at their best.  Average teams just don't seeem to overcome mistakes very often. 

[Phishfan]

We are the Dolphins for a reason and that's because we lose games we have no business losing like to Green Bay

This isn't a knock on you but more of an observation on how people think. After the game is played it is considered one Miami shouldn't have lost. Before the game was played hardly anyone thought it was one Miami should win. That's why I don't even comment on these long term projections because every Sunday brings something new in the NFL.

[Dolphster]

Good point.  Although I was disappointed that the Fins let the Green Bay game slip away, once that initial disappointment wore off, I was actually pretty proud of the guys for making the game as close as they did. 

[masterfins]

-Jags should be a win.
-Lions are 5-2 WITHOUT Megatron for a few games. This belongs in the tough pile because he should be healthy when we play them.
-Bills own us, this is a loss.
-Jets are truly awful, but a split is more likely.
-Vikings are hot garbage, should be a easy win.
 
That's 3-3 right there, our current record. Now, throw in the tough games and 7-9 is more likely. We are the Dolphins for a reason and that's because we lose games we have no business losing like to Green Bay and Buffalo.

Yeah the Lions could go in the tough pile, but who knows if Megatron will be 100%, and Bush is injured on and off, throw in the fact Miami's D has been tough on opposing QB's is why I put it in the easier pile, but I could see it in with the tough games.  Bills just lost their top two RB's, and Orton is their QB, they better win that game (only worry is Watkins).  I think your right the Jets games may be a split, just because their divisional rivals.  However, I think Miami will win more than one of the tough games.  That's also the way Miami plays, win against a better team, then lose to a lesser team.

[Sunstroke]

With the way Detroit is playing on defense right now, I'd consider them one of the 3-4 toughest opponents Miami could possibly face. They are also about to get Calvin back, Bush and Bell are both healthy, and Stafford is still Brett Favre's second cousin on the gunslinger side of the family.

If Miami could beat Detroit, in Detroit, I would be greatly surprised. Pleasantly so, but surprised nonetheless.

[Brian Fein]

I went through this just last week, and I guess we'll see how well I did in a coupla months.

I counted the Bears as a close loss, but I'm glad I underestimated it.

Jax - win
San Diego, to me, is terribly overrated, and will travel cross country. The Dolphins should win this game.
(of course this means the Dolphins will have won 3 straight, which never happens)
Detroit will be a loss, but I don't think it'll be a blowout
Buffalo will be a loss, for the same reason why they lost last time. They cause matchup problems for Miami.
Broncos - I don't think anyone thinks we have a shot to go into Denver and win.
Jets are hot garbage, and I'm going to the game, so we are going to win.
Ravens, tough game, but probably a win.  Playoff teams win these late-season home games against above-average opponents.
Patriots - loss because of the home field. I think this will also be a tight game.
Vikings, Jets - both wins at home to end the season.

To me, this puts the team at 9-7 and maybe a tiebreaker away form the last WC spot.  If you want to make a splash and be a contender, you win the buffalo game and the Ravens game, and maybe even the Patriots game.  Win all three of those and people will have to pay attention.  They are all winnable games against tough opponents, but I think we won't win more than 1 of them.

[Dave Gray]

Whenever I look at winnable games, I try to take emotion out of it and think whether or not we'll be favored.  I think we'll be favored in 3 of the next 4 games, and I think that 3-1 in that stretch would be good.  If you can steal a win against the Lions, you're right back where you need to be.

[masterfins]

Another thing to look at is Miami winning the division.  The Pats have five wins, and need at least 5 more wins, and they have six tough games ahead: Bears (who are desperate for a win), Broncos, @ Colts, Lions, @ Packers, @Chargers...a pretty tough schedule.  Then they finish with the Dolphins, @ Jets, & the Bills.  The Jets and Bills will make them work for the wins.  The Pats could easily go 3-3 over the next six games, and Miami could be tied or ahead in the standings with three games to go in the season.