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The Miami Dolphins launched their 2026 schedule this previous week as a brand new period for the workforce begins below a brand new regime, that includes new basic supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley.
One fascinating element that caught consideration instantly concerning the Dolphins schedule is they won’t see any primetime motion. On prime of being snubbed from primetime, the Dolphins’ schedule isn’t a straightforward slate of video games, together with a troublesome 5-game stretch to complete the season.
In addition, there will likely be a number of video games that stand out as pivotal moments for the Dolphins in 2026. The capability to seize winnable video games, play in chilly climate and compete within the division will outline success for the Dolphins this 12 months.
Here is an inventory of six video games that might resolve whether or not or not the season was successful for the Dolphins.
While it is solely the primary sport of the common season, Week 1 at Las Vegas will likely be a tone setter for the Dolphins. Coach Hafley, quarterback Malik Willis and an abundance of newcomers on the roster can have their first alternative to indicate what they’ve constructed following an eventful low season.
The Raiders are coming off a 3-14 report in 2025 which landed them the primary choose within the draft, permitting them to pick out QB Fernando Mendoza No. 1 total. But likelihood is Las Vegas will open the season with veteran Kirk Cousins below heart because the workforce continues to be within the midst of a rebuild and will not need to put Mendoza in a troublesome scenario.
This sport ought to be seen as a winnable matchup for the Dolphins. However, Miami is extensively projected to be one of many worst groups within the NFL, so no sport will likely be considered as a straightforward win early within the season. Expectations will stay low for the Dolphins early within the season, however beginning 1-0 would be the first step in altering the narrative.
Week 3 vs Kansas City Chiefs
The Week 3 house opener towards Kansas City is extraordinarily vital contemplating the panorama of the Dolphins’ schedule. Miami performs three out of the primary 4 video games on the street, and the primary two house opponents are the Chiefs and Bengals.
It is unclear whether or not Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes will likely be prepared for the beginning of the season coming off of a torn ACL and LCL suffered final 12 months. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid gave an harm replace on Mahomes throughout an interview on the “Rich Eisen Show.” “I would tell you he’s doing very well, but it’s a day-to-day thing, maybe you have a chance to see him first game,” Reid stated.
Regardless, with or with out Mahomes the Dolphins ought to have this sport circled as a should win. Starting the season 0-4 or 1-3 will likely be laborious to beat if the Dolphins hope to contend for playoff rivalry in 2026.
Week 7 at New York Jets
Following the Dolphins’ Week 6 bye, they’ll play their first divisional matchup towards the New York Jets. Miami has dominated the Jets lately, profitable 5 out of the final six matchups. Divisional wins will likely be vitally vital in measuring the success of the brand new regime.
Like the Dolphins, New York can be projected to be one of many worst groups within the league. After a 3-14 in 2025, Jets’ head coach Aaron Glenn appears to be like to show this franchise round with new beginning QB Geno Smith and the No. 2 total choose within the draft, edge rusher David Bailey.
Capturing a house win towards the Jets will assist propel the Dolphins to a giant Week-8 matchup towards the defending AFC East champion Patriots.
Weeks 11 and 17 vs Buffalo Bills
Games towards Buffalo are extremely anticipated and pivotal for the Dolphins. Over the final couple years, video games towards Buffalo have consisted of each crushing defeats for Dolphins, and among the sweetest wins the workforce has earned. A Week-10 win over Buffalo final season helped spark a four-game profitable streak for the Dolphins.
The Bills have dominated the AFC East within the 2020s. Prior to the Patriots profitable the division final season, the Bills gained 5 consecutive AFC East titles from 2020-2024. Bills quarterback Josh Allen has dominated the Dolphins since coming into the league in 2018. Allen owns a 14-3 report towards Miami alongside, together with playoffs.
How an AFC East workforce competes towards Buffalo has turn into a measuring stick of how shut it’s to competing within the playoffs. The 2026 Dolphins can have their first alternatives in Week 11 on the street and Week 17 at house to indicate what they’re manufactured from.
Week 15 at Green Bay Packers
Sullivan, Hafley and Willis will all return to Green Bay the place they spent final season for Week 15. Whether or not this Dolphins workforce is in playoff rivalry by Week 15, this matchup in Green Bay ought to draw consideration.
This is also the coldest sport of the season. For years the Dolphins have proven an incapacity to play in chilly climate environments. Green Bay in December is certain to be one of many coldest video games of the years, making if an ideal check for the way this Dolphins workforce can deal with the weather.
Winning on the street within the chilly must be one thing the Dolphins show they’re able to doing if the workforce ever hopes to contend for championships. Hopefully Sullivan, Hafley and Willis realized some methods for taking part in via chilly climate throughout their time in Green Bay.
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