Friday, October 30, 2020

Miami Dolphins Week 8 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 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: 17.4 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 14th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 20th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 16

What are fair expectations for Tua Tagovailoa the rest of the way? With Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Dolphins ranked 13th in passing and 19th overall offensively. Can Tagovailoa keep them in that same ballpark? Can he provide an upgrade? The Dolphins are 3-3 and have by far the best point differential (plus-47) in the AFC East. It's not crazy to think they could get into the postseason if Tagovailoa plays well.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 18

They come off the bye in the playoff race with Tua Tagovailoa in as the quarterback. How will he play? Was it the right move?

USA Today -- Rank: 14

How long has it been since a lefty QB started in the NFL? How about Kellen Moore on Jan. 3, 2016. Tua Tagovailoa will restore southpaw pride Sunday.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Who needs to step up: RB Matt Breida

The Dolphins brought in two veteran running backs this offseason -- Breida and Jordan Howard -- to upgrade their run game, and both have been outplayed by second-year back Myles Gaskin. Breida was brought in for his speed and big-play ability, but he has yet to break an impact play. Over the past four games, he has 21 carries for 56 yards (2.67 yards per carry). With Tua Tagovailoa as the new starting QB, Breida needs to be more of a playmaker. -- Cameron Wolfe

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

It's Tua Time in Miami. We didn't see it coming, nor did Ryan Fitzpatrick, but you understand why Brian Flores and the braintrust made the switch. At 3-3, the Dolphins are a surprising participant in the playoff race, an underdog squad hoping to play the Cinderella role in January. But what if Tua Tagovailoa is an immediate-impact performer? What if he can give Miami the Herbert Lift? It's a worthy dice roll that lowers the Dolphins' floor but also lifts their ceiling. Flores' challenge is to stick with the decision, even if rookie growing pains end up taking the Fins out of the playoff picture.

Previous update: Miami Dolphins Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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