Saturday, September 18, 2021

Miami Dolphins Week 2 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: 13.8 (14th)
  • Best ranking: 12th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 15th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 2 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Top rookie: WR Jaylen Waddle

Waddle registered four receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown on six targets -- accounting for nearly a quarter of the targets on Tua Tagovailoa's 27 pass attempts. He flashed not only catch-and-run ability on a 17-yard reception on the Dolphins' first play of the game, but also the ability to win a jump ball during a 36-yard catch in the first half. Even with Will Fuller V joining the lineup in Week 2, Waddle should have a strong role moving forward. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

Xavien Howard proved once again why he might be the most valuable player on the Dolphins. The star cornerback jarred the ball out of the hands of Pats running back Damien Harris late in the fourth quarter, the game-deciding turnover in a 17-16 win. While Howard thrived, Tua Tagovailoa had his ups and downs in a game that's unlikely to change any perceptions of the second-year passer. It wasn't a perfect effort by the Dolphins, but victory at Foxborough is always a big deal. After one week, Miami is the only team in the AFC East in the win column.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

It wasn't a thing of beauty beating New England, but that shouldn't' matter. They found a way to get a good road victory, which is a good sign going forward.

USA Today -- Rank: 12

Where was fourth-year TE Mike Gesicki? Two targets, no catches, while batting a ball into the air that cost QB Tua Tagovailoa a pick. Ge-sickly.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Overreaction: There's no such thing as a bad road division win. Holding the Patriots to field goals three times and getting two touchdowns from Tua Tagovailoa was enough to set the tone in the AFC East. It'll probably take much more to win Sunday vs. Buffalo, but the Dolphins are in great position as the team to beat if they pull it off. -- Auman

Reality check: I'm not ready to flip my division predictions, but maybe I'll be on board with this take after Week 2. Looking forward to Xavien Howard vs. Stefon Diggs. -- Jones

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