The Miami Dolphins are back in the win column after a gritty 23-15 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on Monday night. This win was not just any triumph; it snapped a three-game losing streak and injected some optimism into Miami’s locker room, setting the stage for what could be a season-changing second half. The Dolphins now boast a 3-6 record, and their recent performance has caught the attention of power ranking voters across multiple national outlets.
After the Dolphins’ defensive showcase against the Rams, they’ve surged upward in the rankings, climbing more than four spots on average across 10 national outlets, including Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, among others. Miami’s average ranking improved from 23.8 before their latest victory to 19.7, with different platforms varying in their assessments—some ranking them as high as 17, while others still keeping them at 23. The Athletic, notably, had them leaping an impressive seven spots in the rankings.
Miami Dolphins Power Rankings Breakdown
- Sports Illustrated: Currently placed at 23, moving up from 24 last week. The performance might have lacked flair, but it was effective.
Tua Tagovailoa had some shaky moments, including a pick that nearly gave the Rams a lifeline. Yet, the Rams’ own misfires kept Miami safe.
- Pro Football Talk: They’ve settled into the 20th spot, rising from 25. Historically, Miami has stumbled by season’s end after strong starts. The question is, can they rewrite that narrative this season?
- CBS Sports: Now ranked 20, they were at 23. The Dolphins’ defense was pivotal, keeping the postseason hopes alive. The Rams were limited to five field goals, a testament to Miami’s defensive tenacity.
- NFL.com: Maintaining a 20th position from a previous 24, this win highlighted Miami’s ability to keep the Rams’ offense from crossing the plane. Defensive stars like Zach Sieler made a difference early on, while Miami’s offense found timely big plays despite some quiet stretches. There’s a call for more from offensive weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
- The Ringer: Settled at 20 from 24, they note Miami’s offensive rhythm, which has been absent earlier this season due to Tua’s sidelining. He’s back, making smart decisions under pressure, but challenges await against tougher defenses that might test his comfort zone.
- USA Today Sports: Ranked 18, up from 23. A highlight here is WR3 Odell Beckham Jr., who is gradually integrating into Miami’s offensive schemes, sparking a potential wild-card chase for the team.
- Pro Football Network: Sitting at 17, initially 25, their third win was timely. The playbook is considered potent with Tua, lacking significantly without. The defense played strongly against the Rams, curbing them to 15 points, with easier fixtures lying ahead for Miami to capitalize on.
- The Athletic: Moved to 20 from 27. Tua’s numbers are shining, but Monday’s game was telling.
Despite his strong statistical showing, the team’s record still has room for improvement. The losses to teams like Buffalo and Arizona suggest there’s more to address.
- Yahoo! Sports: Moving to 18 from 24, Miami’s defense was the standout. But let’s be clear, for any playoff dreams to remain alive, nearly flawless execution will be required moving forward.
- Bleacher Report: At 21, up from 23. Entering the season with high hopes for playoffs, the Dolphins find themselves needing to right the early-season ship. Coach Mike McDaniel still believes in a playoff push and Monday’s game was a step in that direction.
Their upcoming opponent, the Las Vegas Raiders, doesn’t pose as significant a threat based on their average ranking of 29.5. But as any NFL fan knows, rankings don’t win games—performance on the field does. Miami will look to capitalize on this momentum while ensuring that their trajectory continues upward for a shot at the playoffs that still lingers within reach.