While everyone is rightly fixated on the Buffalo Bills in the AFC, one of their division rivals shouldn’t be counted out. 

The Miami Dolphins have emerged as one of the NFL’s true shocks this season, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa leading one of the league’s most dangerous passing attacks.

Head coach Mike McDaniels has helped Tagovailoa dust off his early career struggles and show franchise QB potential. It helps that two of the NFL’s most productive receivers are Dolphins.

Wideouts Tyreek Hill (961 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (727 yards) both rest in the top five in the NFL for total yardage, a stat heightened by the fact that it’s Tagovailoa throwing the ball. 

Tagovailoa suffered a terrifying concussion earlier in the season, and his health will continue to be at the forefront of Miami’s minds going ahead. Though, as long as he’s healthy, he’s emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous signal callers this year. 

Miami’s defense also is helping the team stay competitive, with star corner Xavien Howard and emerging safety Jevon Holland leading one of the NFL’s most underrated secondaries. 

Pass rusher Jaelan Phillips is also coming up big for Miami. He’s starting to get hot with two sacks and 12 tackles in the last three games. 

If the Dolphins can keep its QB healthy, it should be able to factor in to the AFC playoff race. A division title feels like it’s out of reach with Buffalo playing so well, but once the playoffs start, it’s anyone’s guess.