Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024

In the ever-competitive landscape of the NFL, certain teams emerge each season as must-watch attractions—whether due to explosive playmaking, dramatic turnarounds, or the potential to challenge for a Super Bowl title. For 2024, the Miami Dolphins firmly belong in that category. After two seasons of incremental growth under head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins have assembled a roster that balances elite talent, tactical innovation, and defensive grit—all ingredients for a deep playoff run. But what exactly sets them apart from other AFC contenders? Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 explores the key factors that make this Dolphins squad one of the most compelling in the league, from their record-breaking offense to their newly revitalized defense, and explains why fans and analysts alike should keep a close eye on their journey this season.

At the forefront of the Dolphins’ appeal in 2024 is their offensive unit, which has evolved from a high-potential group into one of the most consistent and explosive in the NFL. Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 starts here, as this offense has the ability to single-handedly win games and keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has cemented himself as a top-tier signal-caller, building on his 2023 breakout season (4,624 passing yards, 41 touchdowns) with even more precision in 2024—he currently leads the league in completion percentage (71.2%) and passer rating (118.5). His chemistry with wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle is unmatched: Hill, the league’s fastest player, is on pace for his second consecutive 2,000-yard season (1,120 yards through 8 games), while Waddle has emerged as a reliable deep threat (18.3 yards per catch). The offense isn’t just about passing, though—running back Raheem Mostert has rushed for 720 yards and 8 touchdowns, providing balance that keeps defenses guessing. What makes this unit truly must-watch is its ability to score quickly and in bunches: the Dolphins have scored 28+ points in 6 of their 8 games, including a 56-19 rout of the Washington Commanders in Week 4. For fans who love high-scoring, fast-paced football, the Dolphins’ offense delivers week after week.

Another reason the Dolphins are a team to watch in 2024 is their defensive transformation, which has turned a once-porous unit into a strength that complements their explosive offense. Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 wouldn’t be complete without highlighting this turnaround, as a balanced team is far more likely to contend for a championship. The addition of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio in the offseason was a game-changer—Fangio, a veteran coach with a track record of building elite defenses, has implemented a 3-4 scheme that maximizes the Dolphins’ talent. Defensive ends Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb have formed one of the league’s most feared pass-rushing duos, combining for 15 sacks through 8 games, while interior lineman Christian Wilkins has been a force against the run (45 tackles, 2 sacks). The secondary, once a weakness, has also improved: cornerback Xavien Howard has 4 interceptions, and safety Jevon Holland has emerged as a playmaker (3 forced fumbles, 1 interception). This defense has gone from ranking 25th in total defense in 2023 to 8th in 2024, and they’ve proven they can shut down top offenses—holding the Baltimore Ravens (the league’s No. 1 rushing team) to just 89 rushing yards in a Week 12 win. For fans who appreciate defensive intensity and game-changing turnovers, the Dolphins’ defense now provides as much excitement as their offense.

A key factor that makes the Dolphins a must-watch team in 2024 is the growth of young core players, who have gone from promising talents to reliable contributors and are now poised to take the next step toward stardom. Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 must emphasize this, as young talent not only drives success but also creates long-term optimism. Take tight end Durham Smythe, for example: after serving as a backup for his first four seasons, Smythe has become a critical part of the offense in 2024, catching 32 passes for 410 yards and 5 touchdowns—including a game-winning 25-yard catch in overtime against the Buffalo Bills in Week 8. On defense, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has emerged as a versatile playmaker, tallying 42 tackles, 3 sacks, and 2 interceptions while filling in for injured starter Jerome Baker. Even on special teams, young players are making an impact: undrafted free agent kicker Jason Sanders has converted 92% of his field goals, including a 54-yard game-winner against the New England Patriots in Week 6. These young players not only add depth to the roster but also bring energy and hunger that’s contagious—they’re playing with something to prove, and that makes every game more exciting. For fans who love watching players develop and become stars, the Dolphins’ young core is a major draw.

The Dolphins’ status as a team to watch in 2024 is also boosted by their competitive edge in the AFC East, a division that’s among the toughest in the NFL and forces the Dolphins to bring their best every week. Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 wouldn’t be complete without noting this, as divisional rivalries create some of the most intense and memorable games of the season. The AFC East features three other playoff-caliber teams: the Buffalo Bills (led by quarterback Josh Allen), the New England Patriots (a historic franchise with a new coaching staff), and the New York Jets (with a talented defense and emerging offense). The Dolphins have already shown they can compete with these rivals in 2024: they beat the Bills twice (including the overtime thriller in Week 8), narrowly lost to the Patriots by 3 points, and dominated the Jets 40-17. These divisional games are always high-stakes—they not only impact playoff seeding but also carry decades of history and bad blood. For fans who thrive on rivalry games and the pressure of must-win situations, the Dolphins’ AFC East matchups are appointment viewing. Whether it’s a late-game drive by Tagovailoa against the Bills or a defensive stop by Phillips against the Patriots, these games are guaranteed to deliver drama.

Finally, the Dolphins are a team to watch in 2024 because they have a legitimate chance to win the Super Bowl—a goal that has eluded the franchise since 1973. Why the Miami Dolphins Are a Team to Watch in 2024 ultimately comes down to this: they have all the pieces needed to make a deep playoff run, and they’ve shown they can compete with the league’s best teams. They’ve already beaten the Baltimore Ravens (a Super Bowl favorite) and the San Francisco 49ers (another top contender), and they’ve proven they can win in different ways—whether by outscoring opponents (like in the Commanders game) or by relying on their defense (like in the Ravens game). The leadership of McDaniel and Fangio, the elite play of Tagovailoa and Hill, and the depth of their roster all point to a team that can go the distance. Of course, there are challenges ahead—they’ll need to stay healthy (especially on the offensive line) and fix their occasional struggles in short-yardage situations—but the potential is there. For fans who love rooting for a team with a shot at history, the Dolphins offer that excitement. Whether you’re a long-time Dolphins fan or a casual NFL viewer, 2024 is the year to tune in—this team has the chance to end a 51-year Super Bowl drought and write a new chapter in franchise history.