2023 NFL Power Rankings: Miami Dolphins

Young riser: RB De'Von Achane

While Achane's current stint on injured reserve (knee) has somewhat derailed a possible Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, his stretch from Week 3 to Week 5 saw him rise from obscure third-round pick to the NFL's second-leading rusher. The Dolphins decided against trading for a running back this offseason, and Achane, 22, has removed all doubt as to why. His 12.1 yards per carry led the league before he was sidelined, and his big-play capability gives Miami yet another explosive member of the league's top offense. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Miami's offense hit a new low in Philadelphia, managing just 10 offensive points. True, the Dolphins were limited by the Eagles to eight turns with the ball, but even so, there were too many empty possessions before the late red-zone pick that set Philly up to take a two-score lead. Tyreek Hill's dropped TD pass didn't hurt, because Miami got a pick-six two plays later, but it was uncharacteristic of the receiver. The ground attack looked dormant in its second game without De'Von Achane, and the offensive line suffered a setback. This is where the Dolphins are now, with the (resurgent?) Patriots and Chiefs (in Frankfurt) up next before the bye. Xavien Howard and Connor Williams might be back soon. Near the break, Achane, Terron Armstead and perhaps Jalen Ramsey could return. The Dolphins can still be dangerous, but quality teams have leaned into them.

The offense has to prove they can score on the road against good teams. It didn't help they had three starting offensive linemen out for the game against the Eagles, but the questions still remain about beating good teams on the road.

Maybe Sunday night's loss is a wake-up call. Yet aside from next month's game in Germany against the Chiefs, Miami should mostly revert to feasting on FCS-level competition — in front of Hard Knocks' cameras — until Christmas Eve.

One question: Are the Dolphins for real?

This is the point where some of the devoted Power Rankings commenters can (and probably will) say, "We told you so." The five teams Miami has beaten are a combined 8-25. None of them is even within two games of .500. Yes, Miami's offensive line injuries are piling up, but the two winning teams the Dolphins have played have beaten them by an average of 21 points. We may not have an answer to this question for a while. They play only one team with a winning record (the Chiefs) between now and their game against the Cowboys on Christmas Eve.

This isn't college football, where your strength of schedule matters. If the Dolphins continue their strong run of play, they've got a great shot at a division title and a home playoff game. But it does still raise your eyebrow to see that they've been soundly beaten by both of the playoff contenders they've played this season. Hopefully, they'll be healthier for their next test against Kansas City in two weeks.

The Dolphins will get healthier. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey, running back De'Von Achane and left tackle Terron Armstead are among the impact players who are out. Getting those players back will help. But at some point, if the Dolphins want to be taken seriously as a Super Bowl contender they need to beat an elite team.

To get to the Super Bowl, they'll need to play their postseason games at home.

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