What happened: The Miami Dolphins are deep into the 2026 offseason, and the fan base is already framing this group as an AFC threat. Offseason buzz, schedule reveals, and roster optimism are running hot before a single down of the 2026 season has been played.

Why it matters: The case for caution is simple: hype in June has never won a playoff game, and Miami still has to answer the same durability and physicality questions that have defined recent seasons. A contender proves it when the games matter in January, not in an offseason news cycle. Until the Dolphins do that, treating them as a true contender is a leap of faith, not a conclusion.