The Miami Dolphins offense has a chance to shine in their Week 1 matchup against the in-state Jacksonville Jaguars. One key matchup will pit the Fish’s dynamic aerial attack against what was a porous Jacksonville secondary.
While Miami is still short Odell Beckham Jr (who was placed on the PUP list as he recovers from injury), the rest of the offense appears ready to pick up on a historic 2023 season. Superstar Tyreek Hill is poised to push for an elusive 2,000 receiving-yard season. Jaylen Waddle profiles as one of the best #2 pass catchers in football. De’Von Achane is healthy and ready to continue his ridiculous per-touch pace. And rookie Jaylen Wright’s explosiveness seems like a perfect compliment to head coach Mike McDaniel’s fast-paced offense.
All of these factors, including a breakout season by star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, allowed the Fins to rank second in the NFL in passing yards (4,698), tie for fourth in passing touchdowns (30), rank second in pass completion percentage (69.4) and finish second in yards per attempt (8.3) in 2023. No other offense ranked so highly across the board.
The Competition
Why does this matter in week one? The Jaguars’ defense was noticeably poor against the pass last season.
The days of superstar Jalen Ramsey singlehandedly locking down air raids in Jacksonville are long gone. Ironically, Ramsey is now expected to be a game-changer in Miami this season. The current unit of Tyson Campbell, Andre Cisco, Darnell Savage, and Ronald Darby hardly inspires fear.
Campbell narrowly cracked the top 30 (#29 overall) on PFF’s 2024 cornerback rankings. This places in in the very fringes of being a legitimate #1 option for a club. Overall, the Jags’ secondary ranks a lowly 29th out of 32 teams entering the new season.
Perhaps this unit can grow together as the season progresses. However, a season-opening matchup against the premier Miami Dolphins offense is a horrible draw.
The Predictions
Tua and company can expect to set the pace and tone of their week one matchup. Trevor Lawrence has their fair share of offensive weapons, which will lead to a high-scoring affair. The Miami Dolphins offense is in a prime position to dictate the flow of the matchup. But Jacksonville is also well equipped to keep pace.
Superstar Tyreek Hill is a safe bet to eclipse the 100 receiving yard mark, and has a legitimate chance to cross the 150 threshold. Meanwhile, Waddle and/or Achane are real threats to break off a big play. This Miami Dolphins offense is dangerous with speed all over the field. Look for them to take advantage early.
While the Jaguars did well at containing the run last season (they ranked as the ninth-best defense in terms of limiting rushing yardage), the stable of Miami running backs will do well in terms of total yards.
Expect this to be a high-scoring affair, particularly by the Fins, that provides plenty of points, yardage, fantasy production, and fireworks.
Get your popcorn ready and bet the overs. Start your highly drafted Dolphins, and enjoy the Week 1 show.
Main Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
