Miami Dolphins 2012 Schedule: Power Ranking Games from Easiest to to Hardest

The Miami Dolphins' 2012 schedule was released on Tuesday, and despite the opinion of some analysts, this team actually faces a tough slate of games.

Miami faces three Super Bowl contenders (Patriots, Texans, 49ers) and a long list of teams on the cusp of emerging as contenders (Bills, Titans, Bengals, Cardinals, Seahawks)

It's still far too early to accurately gauge how difficult the Dolphins' schedule truly is. Until the draft and free agency is complete, teams' rosters are still subject to change. 

But, regardless, here's an early look at how each of the Dolphins' games stack up as of now. 

Week 9 at Indianapolis Colts

If the Dolphins lose to the Colts in Week 9, I will voluntarily wear a Jets jersey for an entire day. That's not too rash, is it?

Anyway, the Colts are literally starting from scratch as they embark on a rebuilding phase. Indy's only viable weapon is Reggie Wayne, and its defense was awful last season.

There is literally no reason the Dolphins shouldn't win this game. 

Week 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have—bar none—the worst wide receiver corps in the NFL. Mike Thomas, Jarrett Dillard and Chastin West are Jacksonville's starting wideouts, and the passing game's collective futility will prevent the Jags from winning more than a handful of games next season. 

To win this game, the Dolphins just have to contain Maurice Jones-Drew, and their stout defensive front is more than capable of doing so. The Jags went 2-8 when MJD was held under 100 yards rushing last season. 

Jacksonville's defense is wildly underrated (ranked sixth in the league last season), but its offense lacks the firepower to keep up with Miami. The Dolphins can't take this game lightly, but there's no reason to believe they won't win. 

Week 6 vs. St. Louis Rams

Don't let the Rams' 2011 record fool you. This team has the potential to triple or quadruple its win total from last season.

Regardless, this is one of the most favorable matchups the Dolphins have. 

Although St. Louis' offense should rebound from a disastrous season, its defense won't. The Rams' secondary needs an overhaul, and their run defense ranked 22nd in the league last year. 

Week 4 at Arizona Cardinals

I think everybody is underestimating the difficulty of Miami's schedule. The three aforementioned games are the only ones the Dolphins have a noticeable edge in. 

From here on out, the schedule gets rough. 

The Cardinals won seven of their final nine games last season, and they're only a few pieces shy of competing for a playoff spot. If the Cards add a quality offensive tackle and a capable complement to Larry Fitzgerald, the Dolphins will have their hands full in this road matchup. 

Week 12 vs. Seattle Seahawks

Don't underestimate the Seahawks, either. 

Seattle won five of its final eight games last season, including wins against the Ravens, Eagles and Bears. And that was with Tarvaris Jackson at the helm. 

Free agent signing Matt Flynn will probably dethrone Jackson for the starting quarterback job, and he could elevate the Seahawks' offense to new heights. Plus, Sidney Rice will return from an injury-riddle season, Doug Baldwin should build off of an impressive rookie campaign, and Marshawn Lynch will keep eating those Skittles. 

Seattle's defense ranked ninth in the NFL last year, but I don't think that's reflective of its true effectiveness. The Dolphins shouldn't have any problems scoring on the Seahawks, but it'll be a challenge for them to outscore their offense. 

Week 2 vs. Oakland Raiders

For some reason, the Dolphins have a tendency to dismantle the Raiders. At least, that's what happened in the teams' last two meetings when Miami outscored Oakland by a combined score of 67-31.

Things won't be quite as easy next season, though. Darren McFadden is returning from a season-ending foot injury, and he single-handedly boosts Oakland's offense. Last season, the Raiders went 4-2 with McFadden and 4-6 without him. 

This is still a very winnable game for the Dolphins, though. Oakland lost four of its last five games, and the Carson Palmer trade leaves it without a first or second round draft pick. 

Week 10 vs Tennessee Titans

On paper, the Titans don't look like a dangerous team. Set aside Chris Johnson and there's hardly any star-power on their roster. But, Tennessee came within one win of a playoff berth last season, and it could make another run this season. 

The Dolphins can definitely win this game, but the offense has to click against the Titans' 31st ranked defense. If the offense sputters, then Chris Johnson, Kenny Britt, and Jake Locker or Matt Hasselbeck (but probably Jake Locker) will propel Tennessee to a victory. 

Week 3 vs. New York Jets

No team will receive more media attention in the coming months than the New York Jets, but don't let the hype fool you. 

The only notable additions the Jets acquired this offseason are Tim Tebow and LaRon Landry. Thus far, they have chosen not to pick up another starting-caliber running back or wide receiver, two glaring holes on their roster. 

Were it not for Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, the Dolphins could most definitely win this game. But, Revis and Cromartie will have no problems shutting down Miami's mediocre wide receiver corps. 

Week 8 at New York Jets

Same team. Different stadium. 

The Dolphins visit the Jets in Week 8 in another winnable-but-challenging matchup. 

Surprisingly, the 'Fins have won three of their last four games in New York, but Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas must bring their A-game in order for Miami to escape with a win again. 

Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins get their first crack at a Bills team that should contend for a playoff berth this season. 

Buffalo inked Stevie Johnson to a long-term deal and landed the prize of this year's free agent class, Mario Williams. With Williams in the fold, the Bills now boast a fearsome front seven that will wreak havoc on opposing offenses league-wide, including the Dolphins'. 

Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller also give the Bills a lethal duo of running backs; however, Ryan Fitzpatrick sputtered down the stretch last year and Buffalo's passing attack was erratic. 

If Miami can expose Buffalo's sub-par pass defense, then they'll have a chance to win this one. The Dolphins' offensive line must contain Mario Williams and Marcel Dareus, but that's a daunting task. 

Week 5 at Cincinnati Bengals

Just because the Bengals made the playoffs last season doesn't mean they're guaranteed success next season as well. 

Cincinnati still doesn't have a legitimate number one running back, and, behind A.J. Green, its wide receiver corps is very thin. Then again, Green and Andy Dalton are bound to improve, and the Bengals can draft a starting-caliber running back in the first or second round of the draft. 

The Bengals' defense will give Miami problems, too. It ranked seventh in the league last season, but Kevin Coyle, the Dolphins' new defensive coordinator, was Cincy's defensive backs coach for the last 11 years. Hopefully, he can provide the Dolphins with some valuable insight. 

Week 11 at Buffalo Bills

In Week 11, the Dolphins play their first and only primetime game—a Thursday night tilt against the Bills. 

Unfortunately for Miami, this game is in Buffalo. Ralph Wilson Stadium will be absolutely rocking, and it'll be tough for this young Dolphins team to win in such a hostile environment. 

Week 1 at Houston Texans

The Houston Texans' arsenal of weapons poses serious problems for the Dolphins. Matt Schaub, Arian Foster, Ben Tate, Andre Johnson and Owen Daniel give the Texans an elite passing and an elite rushing attack. 

And, unlike prior years, Houston's defense is now fearsome as well. J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and Brooks Reed will give the Dolphins' offensive line problems, and their secondary ranked third in the league last season. 

Week 13 vs New England Patriots

The Patriots toyed with the Dolphins in both of their meetings last season, and it'll happen again this year. 

Miami still doesn't have the personnel to stop Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, and Tom Brady will shred the Dolphins' secondary like he has so many times in the past. 

Interdivisional matchups are always unpredictable, and it's possible that the Dolphins sneak out a win at home here—just don't put your money on it happening. 

Week 14 at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco has replenished its wide receiver corps this offseason, adding Randy Moss and Mario Manningham. These signings could elevate the 49ers' offense to a new level, and that's bad news for the Dolphins. 

Even if the 49ers passing game continues to sputter, their defense will continue to win games. San Francisco's pass rush is virtually unstoppable, and Matt Moore will face intense pressure throughout the game. These teams are headed in different directions, and the one trending upwards will most likely come away with the win. 

Week 17 at New England Patriots

Although this is a Week 17 matchup, the Patriots—who figure to have a playoff spot long secured—won't take it easy. Bill Belichick never rests his starters, and the Dolphins might have to play in frigid temperatures. 

The Pats have won five of their last six season finales, and it's tough to envision them losing this one.