Thursday, November 25, 2021

Miami Dolphins Week 12 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: 24.4 (24th)
  • Best ranking: 23 (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 26 (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 12 roundup for the Dolphins in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Most memorable Thanksgiving game: Dolphins get last-second 16-14 victory over Cowboys in an ice storm on Nov. 25, 1993

In one of the most improbable finishes you could ever ask for, the Dolphins' potential winning field goal was blocked in the game's waning seconds -- but Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett touched the ball after it was blocked, allowing the Dolphins to recover. Miami kicker Pete Stoyanovich then nailed a 19-yarder to beat Dallas -- the Dolphins doing so without quarterback Dan Marino, who tore an Achilles and was out for the season. The Dolphins wouldn't win another game that season, but the memory lives on for everyone who witnessed one of Thanksgiving Day's most unforgettable games. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

NFL.com -- Rank: 24

Credit Brian Flores and the coaching staff for pulling the Dolphins out of a nosedive. The 24-17 victory over the Jets on Sunday at the Meadowlands was Miami's third win in a row after the seven-game losing streak that ruined their season. Tua Tagovailoa threw two touchdown passes, including a 65-yard scoring strike, in the latest meeting between downtrodden AFC East rivals. That lone play of more than 30 yards made up for an otherwise sleepy attack that managed just 4.9 yards per play on all other snaps against a wretched New York defense. Tua's final six weeks represents the biggest subplot to track in Miami: He'll need to light it up to pull the Dolphins out of the Deshaun Watson market. Does he have it in him?

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

They've won two straight games to keep their playoff hopes alive. Now they face another winnable game against Carolina at home.

USA Today -- Rank: 26

Their next three are in Miami against the Panthers, Giants and Jets. Legitimate chance 4-7 Fins could be back at .500 going into home stretch.

The Athletic -- Rank: 24

Best side dish: It's hard not to notice rookie safety Jevon Holland. He's not the most accomplished player on the Dolphins defense (that's Xavien Howard, who has a team-high 11 pass breakups and two interceptions), but Holland is special. During the Dolphins' three-game winning streak, he's made 11 solo tackles and broken up four passes, with a sack, interception and fumble recovery.

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