NFL 2006 Sleeper Team

[dave T]

MIAMI DOLPHINS OVER 9.0 WINS -135
MIAMI DOLPHINS +185 to WIN AFC EAST

Miami has a no-nonsense coach, good special teams, respectable and improved defense. They finished up strong going 6-0 down the stretch in 2005. Their power rating was the highest in the AFC EAST last season.

KEYS:

1.) Miami will need to step it up a notch in the secondary play, which I expect they will.

2.) Brown will need to show endurance and develop into a consistent 20-carry guy.

3.) Dolphins need to win the games they are suppose to win. Last season they went . 500 on the road, .500 in the division, and 4-2 against playoff-bound teams. That should have been enough, but they failed in other categories where .500 isn't good enough.

The Pats are quickly becoming depleted, but with Brady and Belichick and a few other key players still in the mix, they are the favorite in the AFC East as they should be. But the one thing that sticks out the most to me is the fact that the Dolphins were #1 in the AFC EAST last season statistically. Look for them to keep the momentum of last season's late surge going and turn those stats into more wins.

The penalty prone Dolphins should be more disciplined in Saban's second season as he irons out the wrinkles. Don't be surprised if they start out the season an outright winner on the road against the defending Superbowl Champion Steelers.

dt

[TMAC951]

Not bad odds but Honestly as bad as I hate to say it I just dont see them taking over the division against the Pats.. I want someone to beat them so damn bad.. IMO the biggest sleeper team will be the Arizona Cards.. They have made all the right moves to make them a better team.. They got a very very good RB got a nice Wide Outs along with a pretty good defense.. GL to ya buddy!!

[dave T]

You might be right tmac. They were all the buzz this time last season too but finished up #27 out of 32 by my power ratings. Until they execute I'm a little skeptical. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see the Cards show up though; they have what it takes, they just gotta' make it happen. That's the genious of coaches like Belichik. The numbers arent'n always there, but the wins are. Can Green do it? He did it in Minnesota with a lot of talent, so there is no reason why he cannot pull them together...


dt

[wayne1218]

How can you consider the Dolphins a "SLEEPER" team? A shit load of people are picking them and they signed a Pro Bowl QB!

I was interested to read this thread when i saw the title but i have to be honest in saying, Miami is anything BUT a sleeper team this year. Everyone is aware of them and most like their chances!

[wayne1218]

You might be right tmac. They were all the buzz this time last season too but finished up #27 out of 32 by my power ratings. Until they execute I'm a little skeptical. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see the Cards show up though; they have what it takes, they just gotta' make it happen. That's the genious of coaches like Belichik. The numbers arent'n always there, but the wins are. Can Green do it? He did it in Minnesota with a lot of talent, so there is no reason why he cannot pull them together...


dt

dave, This is NOTHING like last year. This is the 1ST proven QB they have had since Marino!

[TMAC951]

dave, This is NOTHING like last year. This is the 1ST proven QB they have had since Marino!

He is talking about Arizona there Wayne not Miami,,

[wayne1218]

You might be right tmac. They were all the buzz this time last season too but finished up #27 out of 32 by my power ratings. Until they execute I'm a little skeptical. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see the Cards show up though; they have what it takes, they just gotta' make it happen. That's the genious of coaches like Belichik. The numbers arent'n always there, but the wins are. Can Green do it? He did it in Minnesota with a lot of talent, so there is no reason why he cannot pull them together...


dt

I thought this was about Miami. Sorry dave!

[seaofred]

i don't even think miami will win 9 games

[dave T]

I guess Sleeper team is the wrong term. Most improved? Maybe...best value? I don't know. I think the win the AFC East and have the ingredients to make a SB run. Only problem is they're in the AFC where SB possibles are a dime a dozen...

dt

[CheechB03]

dave, This is the 1ST proven QB they have had since Marino!

Culpepper proven? I'm not sold on Daunte. Before getting hurt he looked very average without Moss.

[dave T]

I agree Culpepper didn't look good without Moss, but the whole picture looks good for Miami...fresh start for Dante' might re-inspire.

When I think of Sleeper teams I think of SB possibles. A lot of people like Miami to improve this year and win Afc east, but I think the are sleeper team to make SB run. I picked the Titans in '99, Ravens in '00, and Panthers in '03'; they were all teams that were expected to improve, but they went beyond that; that's sleeper team. Miami can do it and the value for them to win AFC Title and SB title is good...

dt

[JBC13]

Culpepper proven? I'm not sold on Daunte. Before getting hurt he looked very average without Moss.

the year manning threw 49 td's culpepper had one of the best years ever....i think it was without moss, i honestly dont remember....does anyone know.....anyway my point is he would have won mvp hands down if manning didnt have that incredible year....he tore his knee the next year, which was last year...they say he has recovered well....i sure hope so!

[dave T]

No. That was 2004 and he did have Moss. Last year, 2005, was his first year without Moss. Having said that, he still finished middle of the pack (#16 I believe) in yards per pass attempt. Thats' good enough for the Dolphins scheme...imo...

dt

[JBC13]

No. That was 2004 and he did have Moss. Last year, 2005, was his first year without Moss. Having said that, he still finished middle of the pack (#16 I believe) in yards per pass attempt. Thats' good enough for the Dolphins scheme...imo...

dt

ok...i couldnt remember....i think chambers will have a huge year with daunte and he has randy mcmichael as well....we will see.

[STaylor36]

How can you consider the Dolphins a "SLEEPER" team? A shit load of people are picking them and they signed a Pro Bowl QB!

I was interested to read this thread when i saw the title but i have to be honest in saying, Miami is anything BUT a sleeper team this year. Everyone is aware of them and most like their chances!

I agree with you Wayne, but a few weeks ago there were a bunch of people on this site touting Dallas as their "sleeper" team even though they currently have the 2nd lowest odds of any team in the NFL on Pinny to win the Super Bowl.