NFL OPINION · SPENCE'S TAKE · OCTOBER 11, 2026

Why I believe Miami is the most likely team to go 0-17

Entering Week 5. Snapshot before Miami’s game. Opinion. Not an official play.

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The losses are piling up. The bigger problem is how little offense Miami has to change the script.

Original AI cartoon / satire. Snapshot: October 11, 2026, before Miami’s Week 5 game.

0-4

Miami’s record

11.5

Points per game

−55

Point differential

If I have to choose the NFL team most at risk of finishing winless, I am picking Miami. The Dolphins enter Week 5 at 0-4. The record is ugly, but the offense is why I believe this could get much worse. In today’s 17-game schedule, the nightmare finish is 0-17.

1 / The offense has almost no margin

Miami has scored 13, 13, 10 and 10 points in its first four games. That is 11.5 per game, with a minus-55 point differential. At that pace, the defense has to be outstanding just to give the offense a chance. Minnesota exposed the problem: Miami kept the Vikings out of the end zone and still lost 15-10. When five opposing field goals can beat you, there is very little room for a mistake.

2 / The old safety net is gone

Miami released Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa, and traded Jaylen Waddle to Denver. Then De’Von Achane went on injured reserve on September 28. Those changes make the slow start more concerning to me. New answers have to emerge while the schedule keeps moving. Ollie Gordon II’s 100-yard rushing game in Minnesota was encouraging, but one bright spot has not fixed an offense that has yet to reach 14 points.

3 / The passing game needs a pulse

Through four starts, Malik Willis has one passing touchdown, two interceptions and 11 sacks taken. He threw for just 85 yards against Minnesota. I need to see a passing game that can sustain drives and punish defenses. Right now, Miami is asking its run game and defense to do too much. A second touchdown should not feel like a premium subscription.

4 / Other winless teams have shown more scoring

Miami, Tennessee, Houston and the Chargers are all 0-4 entering Sunday. Miami has the lowest scoring average and the worst point differential of that group. That is the clearest reason I put the Dolphins first on my list.

Team	PPG	Diff.
Miami	11.5	−55
Tennessee	13.8	−28
L.A. Chargers	16.8	−39
Houston	21.0	−25

2026 regular season, first four games. PPG = points per game. Differential = points scored minus points allowed. Calculations use published totals.

5 / The schedule offers little shelter

The remaining schedule includes two Buffalo games, Detroit, Chicago, and road trips to Denver and Green Bay. Miami also finishes against Buffalo and at New England. Opponents can change over a season, but that stretch gives me little confidence in a quick turnaround. A struggling offense has to solve its problems before the schedule solves them for it.

How this prediction could fall apart

There is a fair argument against me. Miami’s first four opponents are a combined 15-1. The Vikings game showed real defensive progress, and Gordon gave Miami a spark. Two Jets games and a Chargers matchup remain. Thirteen chances to win is a long time. A healthier roster, better quarterback play or one strong afternoon could make this column look ridiculous. I would change my view if Miami starts turning competitive stretches into sustained scoring.

My verdict

For now, the combination of low scoring, major offensive turnover and a difficult stretch ahead makes Miami my strongest candidate for a winless finish. This is my opinion, not a measured probability. Somebody get this team a GPS, because apparently a W is not on the map.

Sources

Research checked October 11, 2026, pregame. Statistics through Week 4.

Opinion. Not a betting recommendation. 21+. For research and entertainment.