When the 2022 regular season schedule was released, we learned not only who the Miami Dolphins would face, but when the games would be held.
In light of this new information, we’ve created a ranking of the Dolphins’ 2022 games from the easiest (for now) to the most difficult (for now).
17 — vs. Houston, Week 12
Last year, the Dolphins beat the Texans at Hard Rock Stadium, even though Tyrod Taylor had just returned from an injury and Laremy Tunsil was unable to play. Having said that, Houston still appears to be a team in transition.
16 — at Chicago, Week 9
Matt Eberflus, the former Colts defensive coordinator, has been hired as the Bears’ new coach, but the team is beset by uncertainty, beginning with Justin Fields at quarterback for the second consecutive season. In this matchup, the Dolphins won’t have to worry about Khalil Mack because he’s now with the Chargers.
15 — vs. N.Y. Jets, Week 18
There is no doubt that the Jets will be much better in their second season under head coach Robert Saleh and with quarterback Zach Wilson, but it is difficult to predict how much of a leap they will make and closing at home is a big advantage for the Dolphins.
14 — vs. Minnesota, Week 6
The Vikings have proven to be a difficult team to predict in recent years, so their inclusion on this list may be premature. Having Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, and Dalvin Cook on the field can be extremely dangerous.
13 — at N.Y. Jets, Week 5
If anything, the Dolphins’ victories last season were more of a relief than a victory, as they were never really in doubt until the final play of the game.
12 — at Detroit, Week 8
In 2022, the Lions are expected to make a significant leap in the standings. As expected from a Dan Campbell-coached team, this one played hard last year, and you can only imagine how fired up his team will be to face the team that spurned him in 2016 after interviewing him for the position of head coach. This game would be even more difficult if the Lions had a capable quarterback in place of Jared Goff.
11 — vs. New England, Week 1
This was true, but even though the Dolphins had a three-game winning streak against New England, they still have the same mystique as they did when Tom Brady was around. In addition, we can’t forget that this team made the playoffs in 2021 despite having a rookie quarterback.
10 — vs. Pittsburgh, Week 7
This was true, but the Dolphins’ three-game winning streak against the Patriots hasn’t diminished the team’s allure. This team also made the playoffs in 2021, despite having a rookie quarterback, so we should not forget about that.
9 — vs. Cleveland, Week 10
Deshaun Watson’s return to the Browns could make them one of the most intriguing teams in the NFL this season. We expect him to be cleared to play in Week 10 after serving his suspension.
8 — at New England, Week 17
At Gillette Stadium, the Dolphins will ring in the new year with a game that could have major playoff implications. At this time of year, the weather can also play a role.
7 — at San Francisco, Week 13
At Gillette Stadium, the Dolphins will ring in the new year with a game that could have major playoff implications. At this time of year, the weather can also play a role.
6 — at L.A. Chargers, Week 14
The Chargers wasted Justin Herbert’s brilliant 2021 season due to some terrible defensive play, so they went out and acquired Mack and J.C. Jackson, among others, in the offseason.
When the teams met in Miami in 2020, the Dolphin’s defence confused and stifled the Chargers’ offence, but it will be a major challenge to do so again.
5 — vs. Green Bay, Week 16
Attila Rodgers. Is there anything else to be said? Green Bay has been the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
4 — at Baltimore, Week 2
Xavien Howard’s defensive touchdown in the Thursday night game last November gave the Dolphins a convincing win over the Ravens, but Baltimore was hampered by significant injuries at running back and in the secondary at the time. Even more so, this is the Ravens’ home opener, and the Dolphins have lost both of their previous visits there by scores of 38-6 and 40-0.
3 — vs. Buffalo, Week 3
When it comes to Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, there’s no need for us to remind Dolphins fans that they’ve lost seven straight, most of them by large margins. In the AFC East, Buffalo stands apart from the pack.
2 — at Cincinnati, Week 4
The Bengals are the defending AFC champions, which adds some intrigue to this game because Tua Tagovailoa will be facing Joe Burrow for the first time in the NFL. And playing them on the road in a Thursday night game adds to the challenge.
1 — at Buffalo, Week 15
This game’s date and time are still up in the air (it’s either Saturday, Dec. 17 or Sunday, Dec. 18), but no matter when it takes place, it will be the most difficult one to prepare for because it will be played in a new location with unpredictable winter weather.
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