Major edgeDET
Detroit Lions
86.0PFM Team Score#4 NFL
VS
Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins: PFM Team Comparison
The Detroit Lions hold a major overall advantage over the Miami Dolphins in the current PFM ratings. Detroit separates itself through the stronger coaching operation and the more dependable offense.
Current PFM Team Scores
MIA
Miami Dolphins
74.3PFM Team Score#25 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Detroit Lions Higher
Dan Campbell gives the Detroit Lions the stronger coaching operation. Preparation and in-game answers matter once the opening script no longer controls the game. The Miami Dolphins are closest in defense, where the teams remain essentially even.
Detroit also brings the more dependable offense. Detroit adds the steadier quarterback room. The Detroit Lions still deserves the higher PFM rating.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Detroit vs. Miami Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
DETDetroit Lions
MIAMiami Dolphins
MIAMI’S BEST PUSHBACK
Defense Is Miami’s Only Close Fight
Miami's defense gives the team one place to push back. Miami sits only 4.2 points behind Detroit in Defense, but close is not the same as an edge. Detroit still has Jared Goff at quarterback and the deeper roster, two advantages the Dolphins cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
DET86.0
Detroit Lions 86.0MIA74.3
Miami Dolphins 74.3Overall NFL Rank
DET#4
Detroit Lions #4MIA#25
Miami Dolphins #25QB Stability
DET86.2
Detroit Lions 86.2MIA77.2
Miami Dolphins 77.2Roster Strength
DET83.4
Detroit Lions 83.4MIA78.4
Miami Dolphins 78.4Coaching Direction
DET85.9
Detroit Lions 85.9MIA72.5
Miami Dolphins 72.5Recent Performance
DET80.0
Detroit Lions 80.0MIA68.0
Miami Dolphins 68.0Offense
DET89.3
Detroit Lions 89.3MIA78.3
Miami Dolphins 78.3Defense
DET75.7
Detroit Lions 75.7MIA71.5
Miami Dolphins 71.5Franchise Direction
DET80.7
Detroit Lions 80.7MIA72.8
Miami Dolphins 72.8Explosiveness
DET86.8
Detroit Lions 86.8MIA70.9
Miami Dolphins 70.9Conference Rank
DET#3
Detroit Lions #3MIA#13
Miami Dolphins #13Division Rank
DET#1
Detroit Lions #1MIA#4
Miami Dolphins #4Outlook
DETSuper Bowl ContenderMIAPlayoff Long Shot
Stronger outlook: Detroit LionsSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Detroit Lions
Remaining schedule rank: #19
Toughest stretch: New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Bears
Strongest opponents: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots
Next five difficulty: 80.2
View Detroit Lions Road AheadMiami Dolphins
Remaining schedule rank: #4
Toughest stretch: Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers
Strongest opponents: Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Buffalo Bills
Next five difficulty: 80.1
View Miami Dolphins Road AheadMiami has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 4. The strongest opponents include the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, and Buffalo Bills. Detroit also has the more favorable road, which adds to the stronger coaching operation and the more dependable offense.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 27, 2026. Schedule data updated October 29, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams