Miami’s 2025 outlook is a high-variance rebuild may rely on a youthful infusion after an 8-9 finish. Key playmakers who left — Armstead, Ramsey, Holland, Campbell, Smith — leave a void that the youth movement must fill, making health and depth pivotal. Predictors largely lean toward a dip, with forecasts spanning 5-12 to 8-9, tethered to Tua Tagovailoa’s health and the surrounding cast.

The opener against Indianapolis looms as a signature litmus test for the rebuild. While Hill remains the constant spark, the Dolphins’ fate hinges on Tagovailoa’s availability, Achane’s early impact, and how the defense adapts to reduced star power. The consensus: a challenging path back to playoff contention unless the young core hits quickly.