The first installment of game-by-game predictions arrived in April, before the NFL draft, offseason program, training camp and preseason. I picked the Miami Dolphins to go 9-7 then, and I am sticking to my prediction now.
I like what the Dolphins have done in the draft by adding first-round pick DeVante Parker, although he probably won't help early in the season due to foot surgery. Overall depth and the two guard positions also are concerns, but I expect the Dolphins to win enough games to finish with a winning record.
With that said, here are my updated predictions of how the season will go for Miami:
Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13 at Washington, 1 p.m. ET
The Redskins' quarterback situation is a mess with Robert Griffin III being replaced by backup Kirk Cousins. Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill was taken in the same 2012 draft as RG III, and Miami's stability at quarterback will make a difference: Dolphins 23, Redskins 16. Record: 1-0
Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20 at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m. ET
Miami pounded Jacksonville last season by pressuring and baffling then-rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. I see more of the same in this year's matchup: Dolphins 23, Jaguars 14. Record: 2-0
Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, versus Buffalo, 4:25 p.m. ET
After a fast start, this game has the makings of a letdown for Miami. The Bills are 4-2 against the Dolphins the past three seasons and seem to have Miami's number, regardless of Buffalo's quarterback issues: Bills 17, Dolphins 16. Record: 2-1
Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, versus New York Jets (in London), 9:30 a.m. ET
The Dolphins were successful in their trip to London last year and have a good idea what it takes to handle the schedule, jet lag and time change. That experience will help Miami show up and beat an inferior division opponent: Dolphins 21, Jets 14. Record: 3-1
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18 at Tennessee, 1 p.m. ET
The Dolphins often play well against rookie quarterbacks (see Bortles and Derek Carr last season). I expect Miami's defense to get the best of Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota and force multiple turnovers for the win: Dolphins 30, Titans 17. Record: 4-1
Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, versus Houston, 1 p.m. ET
The Texans have owned the Dolphins in their somewhat brief history. Houston is 7-0 against Miami. But the talent difference between these two teams, especially on offense, will help Miami break that porous streak at home: Dolphins 28, Texans 14. Record: 5-1
Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 29 at New England, 8:25 p.m. ET
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be playing with a vengeance. Gillette Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Dolphins, who have not won in Foxborough since 2008. That streak will continue for Miami with a short week of preparation: Patriots 28, Dolphins 14. Record: 5-2
Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8 at Buffalo, 1 p.m. ET
The games in Buffalo usually are gritty and ugly, especially if inclement weather is involved. That rarely bodes well for Miami: Bills 17, Dolphins 13. Record: 5-3
Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m. ET
The Dolphins could be beaten down by this brutal stretch. This will be Miami's third consecutive road game in 17 days, and it comes against a quality opponent in Philadelphia. Both teams run similar offenses, but Philadelphia's produces more points at home. Eagles 28, Dolphins 23. Record: 5-4
Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, versus Dallas, 1 p.m. ET
Miami finally gets some home cooking after dropping three straight road games. The Cowboys are a tough and talented team, and their offensive line is one of the few that can hold up to Miami's defensive line. Miami's downslide continues, Cowboys 24, Dolphins 21. Record: 5-5
Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at New York Jets, 1 p.m. ET
The Dolphins must get the season sweep over the rebuilding Jets if Miami wants to make the playoffs. The Dolphins are 3-0 at MetLife Stadium under coach Joe Philbin. Dolphins 24, Jets 14. Record: 6-5
Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, versus Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET
Similar to Houston, the Ravens are another team the Dolphins simply can't figure out. Miami needs this home win, but Baltimore is usually the tougher team in a game that could have playoff implications. Ravens 20, Dolphins 17. Record: 6-6
Week 14: Monday, Dec. 14, versus New York Giants, 8:30 p.m. ET
The bright lights will be on Miami during its only game of the year on ESPN's "Monday Night Football." The Dolphins match up well against the Giants, especially in the trenches, and should have one of their easier games of the season. Dolphins 30, Giants 14. Record: 7-6
Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, at San Diego, 4:25 p.m. ET
There is a good chance both teams could be fighting for a playoff spot in the AFC. The Dolphins have beaten the Chargers in two straight meetings and may need to win this one to get to the postseason. Dolphins 27, Chargers 23: Record: 8-6
Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, versus Indianapolis, 1 p.m. ET
The Colts might be the best team in the AFC this year. Miami usually plays Indy tough, but it will be too difficult to stop Colts quarterback and MVP candidate Andrew Luck. Colts 27, Dolphins 23. Record: 8-7
Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, versus New England, 1 p.m. ET
This game could have more importance for Miami than New England, which is the favorite to walk away with the AFC East title. The Patriots may rest their starters here and help the Dolphins, who could need this game to secure a winning record and a wild-card spot. Either way, Miami has beaten New England at home the past two seasons and pulls this game out. Dolphins 21, Patriots 17. Record 9-7