Dolphins Preview Capsule

MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-8)

New faces: DTs Ndamukong Suh, Jordan Phillips and C.J. Mosley, WRs DeVante Parker, Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills, TE Jordan Cameron, CB Zack Bowman, G-T Jeff Linkenbach, Gs Jamil Douglas and Jacques McClendon, DB Brice McCain, LB Spencer Paysinger.

Key losses: WRs Mike Wallace, Brandon Gibson and Brian Hartline, TE Charles Clay, DL Jared Odrick, DT Randy Starks, DE Dion Jordan, LBs Dannell Ellerbe, Jason Trusnik and Philip Wheeler, RBs Knowshon Moreno and Daniel Thomas, Gs Shelley Smith and G Daryn Colledge, C Samson Satele, CB Cortland Finnegan, Ss Louis Delmas and Jimmy Wilson.

Strengths: DL, QB, WR, RB.

Weaknesses: OL, LB.

What’s New: In Detroit last year, Suh was the best player on the NFL’s No. 1-ranked defense, and he wants that to be the case again. Led by the $114 million tackle, Miami’s front four dominated during the exhibition season, and might be good enough to compensate for weaknesses elsewhere, especially at linebacker and the cornerback spot opposite Pro Bowler Brent Grimes.

Fantasy Tip: Don’t overlook QB Ryan Tannehill, who will likely complete a lot of short passes in Bill Lazor’s offense. Last year Tannehill threw for 4,045 yards and ran for 311, and both totals could be higher this season. New tight end Jordan Cameron has found it difficult to stay healthy, but he could put up big numbers because he’ll likely be a favorite target in the red zone.

Expectations: The outlook is by the far the rosiest in Miami’s four seasons under coach Joe Philbin, who has yet to post a winning record and likely needs a playoff berth to keep his job. A revamped receiving corps gives Tannehill plenty of inviting targets — if he has time to throw. And thanks to the addition of Suh, the Dolphins appear capable of winning with both offense and defense.