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Game-by-game predictions: Miami Dolphins

There are still questions remaining on the Miami Dolphins' roster. For example, who will be their No. 1 wide receiver, starting middle linebacker or two starting guards? Some of the questions will be answered in next week’s NFL draft.

However, that won’t stop me from making early game-by-game predictions for the Dolphins now that the 2015 schedule is out. I reserve the right to change my mind following training camp in the summer and before the start of the regular season.

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 13, at Washington, 1 p.m.

The Dolphins start the year with seven of their first nine games away from Sun Life Stadium. They will need to steal some of these road games, and catching the rebuilding Redskins early is a good opportunity. Dolphins 21, Redskins 14. Record 1-0.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 20, at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.

This has the feeling of a trap game following a nice road win. But I’m going to give Miami some leeway that it will show enough maturity and pull out this game in Jacksonville. Dolphins 23, Jaguars 20. Record 2-0.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 27, vs. Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.

The Dolphins will be motivated in their home opener and get to play a familiar face in former Miami starting tight end Charles Clay. Although Buffalo usually gives the Dolphins fits, look for Miami to ride the emotional wave to a victory. Dolphins 21, Bills 17. Record 3-0.

Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 4, NY Jets (in London), 9:30 a.m.

The Dolphins played one of their best games last season in London. Miami's coaching staff should have the international travel and timing down to produce another good performance. Dolphins 20, Jets 14. Record 4-0.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 18, at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Coming off a bye week, the Dolphins will be well-rested. That should be enough to beat the rebuilding Titans, which would produce a quality 5-0 start for Miami. Dolphins 27, Titans 14. Record 5-0.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 25, vs. Houston, 1 p.m.

The Texans have been a tough matchup for Miami for a long time. The Dolphins will be favorites, but this looks like an early upset candidate. Dolphins 20, Texans 23. Record 5-1.

Week 8: Thursday, Oct. 29, at New England, 8:25 p.m.

Gillette Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Dolphins in recent seasons. Add in the fact this game is at night and on a short week against the defending champs. This is a recipe for disaster. Patriots 34, Dolphins 17. Record 5-2.

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 8, at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

The weather starts to become a factor for Buffalo in November. The Dolphins fail to get the season sweep over the Bills. Bills 24, Dolphins 17. Record 5-3.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 15, at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

The new-look Eagles will be an exciting team, especially at home. At this point, Miami could be tired and on wobbly legs from all the travel in the first half of the season. The quick-hitting Eagles at home are the wrong team to play under those circumstances. Eagles 28, Dolphins 14. Record 5-4.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 22, Dallas, 1 p.m.

Miami matches up well against Dallas. This should be a stellar matchup between the Dolphins’ defensive line and the Cowboys’ offensive line. Dolphins 27, Cowboys 24. Record 6-4.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 29, at New York Jets, 1 p.m.

Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin is 3-0 at MetLife Stadium. It’s one of the oddities of his tenure, but it will be important for him to extend that streak. Dolphins 17, Jets 16. Record 7-4.

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 6, Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Baltimore has been an awful matchup for the Dolphins. It doesn’t matter the location, the Ravens are simply too tough. Ravens 23, Dolphins 20. Record 7-5.

Week 14: Monday, Dec. 14, New York Giants, 8:30 p.m.

This is Miami’s only Monday Night Football game, and it comes against a winnable opponent. Look for the Dolphins to showcase themselves well. Dolphins 28, Giants 16. Record 8-5.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 20, at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

This is one of the longest road trips possible for Miami. I don’t expect the Dolphins to handle this trip well. Chargers 20, Dolphins 16. Record 8-6.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 27, Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Miami most likely will need this big game at home during the stretch run. However, the Colts are too talented and one of the favorites in the AFC. Colts 30, Dolphins 23. Record 8-7.

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 3, New England, 1 p.m.

Week 17 is tricky, because the Patriots could be resting starters for the playoffs. But Miami split with New England the past two seasons. So it’s reasonable to think the Dolphins can beat the Patriots at home for the third year in a row. Dolphins 23, Patriots 21. Record 9-7.