NFL news: Mike Florio thinks overlooked AFC team could pull off big surprise in 2026
The NFL offseason is a time when the entire media landscape writes off rebuilding teams, yet Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio sees a diamond in the rough forming in South Florida.
Florio typically avoids heaping praise onto the Miami Dolphins, but he is suddenly backing this massive youth movement as a major sleeper for the 2026 NFL season. While talking alongside co-host Chris Simms, the veteran analyst delivered a surprising vote of confidence.
“Everybody just assumes they’re going to suck because they got rid of all of their best players, and it’s a bunch of rookies who are going to be playing. And a lot of people don’t think Malik Willis is going to be good,” Florio explained. “I think they’re in a position where [Miami] can seize upon this idea that no one is giving them any chance, any respect, any attention, any credit. And they can surprise some people.”
Mike Florio believes the Miami Dolphins can surprise some people. pic.twitter.com/Y6s1iHPdAm
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) August 4, 2026
Florio praised the cultural shift sparked by the organization, noting that past seasons were plagued by an apparent lack of care from supposed team leaders. Following a tough 2025 campaign where Miami finished 7-10 while leaning heavily on a sputtering offense, the front office finally tore it all down.
Now, the keys to the franchise belong to Malik Willis. The 27-year-old quarterback flashed some serious efficiency in a limited sample size last season, playing briefly before this massive regime change. Willis wrapped up the 2025 season completing 30 of his 35 passing attempts (85.7%) for 422 yards and three touchdowns, alongside 123 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground over just four appearances.
With star running back De’Von Achane fresh off a massive contract extension and a locker room full of hungry rookies, the Dolphins are embracing the underdog mentality. If Willis can command this run-heavy system effectively, Florio might be entirely right about Miami shocking the football world.
The NFL offseason is a time when the entire media landscape writes off rebuilding teams, yet Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio sees a diamond in the rough forming in South Florida. Florio typically avoids heaping praise onto the Miami Dolphins, but he is suddenly backing this massive youth movement as a major sleeper for the 2026 NFL season.