Overview
- Fitzpatrick reiterated his 0-17 prediction after the Dolphins' 27-13 Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, saying the result made his concern more plausible.
- He pointed to roughly $180 million in dead cap from past contracts that stay on Miami's books and said that money limits the team's ability to add or keep contributors.
- Fitzpatrick cited first-year coach Jeff Hafley's comment that success would not be measured only by wins and the team's claiming of seven players off waivers as signs the franchise may be rebuilding rather than pushing solely to win now.
- He noted a tough early slate, including games against the NFC North and AFC West plus road trips to San Francisco, Indianapolis and Cincinnati, as factors that raise the risk of a long losing stretch.
- Sportsbooks and draft models have already adjusted lines and projections after Week 1, increasing Miami's odds of a top draft pick even though no NFL team has gone 0-17 since the schedule moved to 17 games.