Dolphins Hit Rock Bottom in CBS Sports' Preseason Power Rankings

With Week 1 approaching, preseason NFL power rankings are rolling in. Many analysts are bearish on the Miami Dolphins entering the year. That includes CBS Sports senior writer Pete Prisco, who ranked the Dolphins dead last to begin the 2026 campaign, signaling a bleak outlook for Miami. 'They aren't tanking, but they won't be winning a lot of games this season,' Prisco wrote. 'The schedule is tough and they are a young team. It's all about the process now.' On paper, the Dolphins will face the second-toughest schedule in the NFL in 2026. That could change depending on how their opponents perform, but Miami does not have a favorable opening five-game stretch. After visiting the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1, the Dolphins will remain out West to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2. Miami will then host the Kansas City Chiefs in its home opener in Week 3 before returning to the road the following week to face the Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 before their Week 6 bye. Miami will play 11 games against opponents that finished with winning records last season. In addition, the Dolphins will play nine games against 2025 playoff teams, including two matchups apiece against AFC East rivals Buffalo and New England, along with games against the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers. Sportsbooks project the Dolphins to win between 4.5 and 5.5 games. That outlook reflects the roster overhaul coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan conducted during the offseason. They moved on from veterans in favor of younger, cheaper, and unproven talent they hope to develop while carrying a historic $179 million in dead cap space in 2026. If Miami is going to surprise people, quarterback Malik Willis will have to lead the charge. The Dolphins signed him to a three-year, $67.5 million contract during the offseason with the hope that he can become their franchise quarterback. If Willis does not show signs of becoming that player, Miami could draft his potential replacement as soon as 2027, with that quarterback class expected to be one of the best in recent memory. This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.