Miami Dolphins: The 6 Scariest Games on Miami's 2011 Schedule

Now that the lockout appears to be winding down into an elongated conclusion, this seems like an opportune time to start looking ahead towards the actual 2011 season.

After all, it's merely eight weeks away.

Ever since Miami eased into the 2008 playoffs with an elementary-level slate of regular season games, the team's schedules have not been so kind. And this year is no exception. The 'Fins will play the NFC East and the AFC West, two divisions that boast at least two playoff contenders each.

However, these six games stand out above the rest as the scariest games for the upcoming season.

Week 1 vs. New England (Monday Night)

We can all rest assured that Stephen Ross will roll out the Orange Carpet and throw an extravaganza for the Dolphins Monday Night opener, but will the team produce an equally exciting product on the field?

The Patriots may have been the second best team in the NFL last season, and rumors of their potential pursuit of wide receiver Sidney Rice are rampant. In other words, New England only figures to get better in 2011.

The Pats dismantled the Dolphins in both of their 2010 meetings, and while Miami will be an improved team, this is a frightening match up.

Week 2 vs. Houston

The Houston Texans are a completely unaccomplished franchise. They have never been to the playoffs and finished over .500 only once, but they have never lost to the Miami Dolphins. Naturally, this is a scary match up for the 'Fins.

Despite the history between these two teams, the Texans have one of the league's deadliest offenses, a defense anchored by a promising core of youngsters, and might be in the mix for blue-chip free agent Nnamid Asomugha.

Fortunately, this game will be outdoors in Miami as opposed to the cozy confines of Houston's dome. This bodes well for the Dolphins' run heavy scheme, but Houston's attack may prove overwhelming for the 'Fins.

Week 4 at San Diego

Since Norv Turner took over as head coach of the San Diego Chargers, they annually struggled through the first few weeks of the season. In 2007, the Bolts started 1-3, in 2008 they started 4-8, in 2009 they started 2-3, and in 2010 they started 2-5.

There's no telling if San Diego will get off to such a lackluster start in 2011, but history would suggest so—and the Dolphins must hope so. The Chargers might be one of the league's deepest teams, boasting a depth chart stacked with elite talent.

Week 14 vs. Philadelphia

It doesn't matter how great your defense, Michael Vick will find a way to torch it. The Eagles will fly down to Miami for a Week 14 match up that could have great playoff implications, and let's hope this game isn't a must win for the Dolphins.

Between Vick, LeSean McCoy, Desean Jackson, and a fierce defense, Philly poses a terrifying match up for Miami.

Week 16 at New England

The schedule makers have been kind to the Dolphins in years past, allowing them to travel up to the northeast earlier in the season rather than trudge up for snowy December games.

However, the 2011 season will be a different case. Miami must trek up to Foxborough for a Week 16 match up versus the Patriots. These snowy match ups present a huge obstacle for the Dolphins, who play and practice in sunny, warm weather all season long.

New England figures to have a playoff spot secured at this juncture, but Bill Belichick generally does not rest his players, so the 'Fins must come to play.

Week 17 vs. New York Jets

As if a Week 16 game in New England wasn't scary enough, the Dolphins will return to south Florida for a regular season finale against the New York Jets.

Miami has defeated the Jets in four of their last six meetings, but considering this game could potentially dictate the fate of either team, we can temporarily disregard history. These two teams play a very similar brand of football, and this game could make for a memorable one.

The last time the Dolphins and Jets met in Week 17, things ended favorably for Miami (see photo above), and let's hope that happens again.