Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Miami Dolphins Week 17 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Miami Dolphins rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 14.8 (15th)
  • Best ranking: 12 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 17 (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 17 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 16

Non-QB MVP: WR Jaylen Waddle

Since I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to give this award to Miami's entire defense, let's present it to the man who makes the Dolphins' offense relevant. The team's leading receiver also has been the most consistent, missing only the Week 15 win over the Jets while he was on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Waddle's absence was noticeable, as Miami's receivers only created on average 2.2 yards of separation against the Jets' secondary. Waddle's season average of 3.3 yards of separation is eighth best in the NFL among qualified receivers. He already has broken a franchise rookie record for receptions with 96 and is five catches away from tying the NFL rookie record in that category. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

The Dolphins made history on Monday Night Football, becoming the first team to have a seven-game losing streak and seven-game winning streak in the same season. It's only fitting a team pulled this off in the bizarre and increasingly unstable 2021 season. Offensive coordinator George Godsey built a game plan that highlighted the playmaking abilities of Jalyen Waddle, who continues to look the part of an emerging superstar. The defense had fun against New Orleans' decimated offense, sacking overmatched rookie Ian Book eight times. The Dolphins' schedule finally tightens up in the final two weeks with matchups against the Titans and Patriots. Win both, and they're in.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 17

If they win their last two, they will be in the playoffs. It won't be easy as they play at Tennessee and then close against the Patriots.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

They're the first team to have a seven-game losing streak and seven-game winning streak in the same season -- and could be the first team to qualify for the playoffs following a 1-7 start.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Is he The Guy? Yes. It's been quite a turnaround for Tua Tagovailoa, who was written off by so many at the start of the season. But quarterback development in the NFL is not an overnight business, and Tagovailoa has hit his stride, getting rid of the ball quickly and with deadly accuracy. He is also able to buy time in the pocket when need be.

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