ESPN FPI: Miami has a great shot at the top pick in next year’s draft

According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, the Miami Dolphins have a 70 percent chance at the top pick in the 2020 draft. It is safe to say that 2019 hasn’t been the easiest season for the Miami Dolphins, but the front office, coaching staff and fan base is hoping it will pay off in the end.

Behind them is the winless Bengals, who have a 17 percent chance according to the power index.

However, Cincinnati did just announce the benching of Andy Dalton. The nine-year veteran has nine touchdowns and eight interceptions under center for the Bengals. In fact, he is the first quarterback to lead a team to both a 8-0 and 0-8 start.

Draft pick projections update per ESPN’s FPI: Dolphins projected to have picks No.1 (own), No.17 (via Steelers) and No.26 (via Texans). Dolphins have 70% chance to land No. 1 overall pick per FPI. Bengals second best odds with 17.6% chance.

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 29, 2019

However,  Ryan Finley is stepping in, a rookie who was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

As I’m now rather intrigued to see more of what Ryan Finley can do for the #bengals – I thought I’d have a look more at this 17 and 18 college tape.

He has his ups and downs but here’s a thread of some of his good moments.

1) Touch – sideline and between the hashes. pic.twitter.com/b9bXAhoaop

— Sam Ainger (@sam_ainger) October 30, 2019

Finley will have some help as star receiver A.J. Green is expected to return sooner rather than later for Cincinnati.

Just got done with an interview with A.J. Green. A lot to unpack (and that’s coming).

Basics:

– He’s ready to play. Aiming for Baltimore

– Ready to ball out and this team wouldn’t be 0-8 with him healthy

– Understands biz of AD decision

– Does NOT want to be franchised

— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) October 30, 2019

Despite a winless first-half of the season, Miami is hoping the Bengals can go on a run and win a handful of games in order to create some distance in the race for the first pick in the draft.

Keep in mind that Dolphins coach Brian Flores has his sights set on wins, not the top pick in the draft. Miami is starting to show signs of a competitive football team, despite the 0-7 record.

Totally the look of a guy trying to lose. Totally. https://t.co/UGqHFDfJNE

— Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) October 29, 2019

The Jets looking like one of the worst teams in the NFL, here are Miami’s “biggest” games remaining on the nine-game schedule:

Jets at Dolphins, Nov. 3; Dolphins at Jets, Dec. 8; Bengals at Dolphins, Dec. 22.

It hasn’t been the easiest season, but with a little luck, Brian Flores and company can continue to show signs that they’re the right crew for the job without ruining Miami’s chance at a top pick.