Miami Dolphins: 5 Bold Predictions For the 2011 NFL Season

After back-to-back 7-9 seasons, the Miami Dolphins enter the 2011 campaign with fans wondering if the team will rise above their current level of mediocrity.

Miami will have its work cut out for themselves this season, as they face all four teams from the NFC East, along with their old division rivals from the AFC East.

Here are five bold predictions for the Dolphins' 2011 season.

5. The Dolphins Will Have One Tie Game During Their 2011 Season

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker Karlos Dansby #58 of the Miami Dolphins against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

You heard it here first: The Dolphins’ November 13th game against the Washington Redskins will end in a 24-24 tie.

4. The Dolphins Will Be a Much Better Home Team in 2011

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MIAMI - DECEMBER 26: Fans attend the Miami Dolphins against the Detroit Lions at Sun Life Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Lions defeated the Dolphins 34-27. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Six of the team’s seven wins came on the road last season, leaving the faithful in South Beach feeling empty-handed.

Look for the 'Fins to give their fans a little more to cheer about in 2011.

3. Brandon Marshall Will Make His First Pro Bowl as a Member of the Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins makes the catch as Kyle Arrington #27 of the New England Patriots defends on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Despite the question marks the Dolphins have concerning their quarterback position, Brandon Marshall will bounce back after a subpar 2010 season.

Marshall ranked 16th in total receiving yards and had only three touchdowns. Marshall's three-year streak of at least 100 receptions was also snapped.

This year, expect Marshall to bounce back big.

2. Chad Henne Will Be Benched in Week 4, After the Team Starts 0-3

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins is brought down in the first half by Jerod Mayo #51 and Landon Cohen #66 of the New England Patriots on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Ima

It’s fair to say that Chad Henne had a disappointing 2010 season. Henne finished 26th the league in quarterback rating, and he threw more interceptions (19) than touchdown passes (15).

Things will only get worse for Henne in 2011.

The Dolphins will bench Henne leading up to their October 2nd game at San Diego in favor of Tyler Thigpen or a possible free agent acquisition.

1. Coach Tony Sparano Will Be Let Go at the End of the Season

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 12: Head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Tony Sparano on the sideline against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 12, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

After leading the team to an 11-5 record in 2008, the Dolphins have posted consecutive 7-9 seasons under Tony Sparano.

The team will finish 2011 with a losing record for the third consecutive season.