2006 Miami Dolphins Predictions

The Miami Dolphins closed last season with six straight victories to finish at 9-7, just missing the playoffs. The Dolphins made some key offseason acquisitions on both sides of the ball -- with QB Daunte Culpepper making the biggest splash -- and look to return to the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2001.

Head coach Nick Saban, entering his second season with the club, runs a no-nonsense training camp, evidenced by his snub of President Bush's dinner invitation last Sunday. "There was no disrespect intended. It was just a matter of priority to me relative to this time of year," Saban said.

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Key Additions: QBs Culpepper and Joey Harrington, FB Fred Beasley, OT L.J. Shelton, DBs Will Allen and Jason Allen (rookie).

Key Subtractions: QB Gus Frerotte, RB Ricky Williams (suspension), DBs Sam Madison and Tebucky Jones, P Matt Turk.

Sportsbook Odds: With the addition of Culpepper, many bettors think the Dolphins have finally found that final piece of the puzzle to get them over the hump. They are a trendy pick to win the AFC East and a sleeper Super Bowl pick. WagerWeb.com has Miami as +$950 to win the AFC championship and +$2000 to win Super Bowl XLI.

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Player to Watch: The Dolphins will go as far as the arm -- or legs -- of Culpepper will take them. Coming off major knee surgery, the 6-foot-4, 260-pound QB will be out to prove to the rest of the league that he is still the player that threw for over 4,700 yards and 39 TDs in 2004. The word out of Dolphins camp is that his rehab is progressing nicely, and he may even play in Saturday's preseason opener against Jacksonville. "He's doing really well," Saban said. "He's farther ahead in his rehabilitation than anticipated. We're very pleased with the progress he has made." Dolphins fans better hope he stays healthy with Harrington and his 68.1 career QB rating waiting in the wings.

Outlook: With Williams on loan to the CFL, RB Ronnie Brown will get a chance to shine. He should have an excellent season as the Dolphins have bolstered their offensive line and added Beasley to help open holes for the second-year back. WR Chris Chambers is one of the best in the league, and he and Culpepper should form a great tandem like the QB had in Minnesota with Randy Moss. The additions in the defensive backfield will help an aging front seven. Add in one of the easier schedules in the league, and Miami is a definite playoff contender. If 10 wins gets AFC teams into the playoffs this season, Miami will qualify.

By Mike Brody of WagerWeb