A look at the Miami Dolphins' schedule and what likely could happen in each game.
Sept. 13 at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 p.m.
All eyes would have been on quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the first pick in the draft, making his NFL debut. But the man taking the first snap for the Raiders will be veteran Kirk Cousins.
Sept. 20 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m.
Before anyone talks about the Niners hosting the Super Bowl in their own stadium, let’s see if this team, with a loaded roster of familiar names (Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Fred Warner) can stay healthy. We already know DT Alfred Collins tore a patellar tendon in Australia and will miss the season. The 49ers will have three extra days to prepare for the Dolphins.
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Home opener vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes
Sept. 27 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
Patrick Mahomes is healthy again, which is good news for football fans everywhere, doubly so in the Taylor Swift household.
Oct. 4 at Minnesota, 4:05 p.m.
The Dolphins have an overhauled secondary. The Vikings have Justin Jefferson. We’ll find out if the DBs can get the job done soon enough.
Oct. 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
We know this offense — when it has a healthy Joe Burrow — can put up points. Question is, can a defense specializing in giving up 27-plus points make a leap with ex-Giants DL Dexter Lawrence?
Oct. 18 Bye week
Cruel sports books have Dolphins +2.
Oct. 25 at New York Jets, 1 p.m.
It’s a new-look Jets team featuring three picks in the top 30 (edge David Bailey, tight end Kenyon Sadiq, receiver Omar Cooper Jr.). Can Geno Smith cut back on those 17 INTs?
Nov. 1 vs. New England Patriots, 4:25 p.m.
After facing four consecutive playoff teams to open the schedule, the Patriots will be looking forward to a trip to Miami.
Nov. 8 vs. Detroit Lions, 1 p.m.
Statistically at least, the Lions have the NFL’s easiest schedule. They also have Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and an offense that can dazzle. Is this finally their Super Bowl year?
Indianapolis Colts' fortunes rest on QB Daniel Jones
Nov. 15 at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m.
Running back Jonathan Taylor is a machine, but the Colts are a different team (not in a good way) when quarterback Daniel Jones is hurt.
Nov. 22 at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
The Dolphins make their first visit to the new Highmark Stadium, shedding not a single tear over the loss of the old Highmark.
Nov. 29 vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m.
Will the interception-less streak of the Jets, which included all 17 games last season, be over by this game?
Dec. 6 at Denver Broncos, 4:05 p.m.
The Mile High City is abuzz over what receiver Jaylen Waddle brings to the offense. He’ll get his chance to shred his former team’s secondary.
Dec. 13 vs. Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
Talk about a team on the rise. This is a team that is never out of it, never turns the ball over and takes it away whenever it wants.
Dec. 20 at Green Bay Packers, 1 p.m.
Reunion day! Quarterback Malik Willis, coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan return to Lambeau.
Mike McDaniel, Chargers are late-season opponent
Dec. 27 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1 p.m.
Reunion Day II! Ex-Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel returns as L.A.’s offensive coordinator, now leading Justin Herbert, the guy the Dolphins didn’t draft when they took Tua Tagovailoa.
Jan. 3 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
Joe Brady replaces Sean McDermott, hoping that’ll be what pushes the Bills over the top in months like January and February (along with that Josh Allen guy). McDermott, meanwhile, sees the Bills as a strong Super Bowl contender and is rooting for his old team.
Jan. 9 or 10 at New England Patriots, TBA
Dolphins could catch a break if the Patriots have a playoff seeding locked up by kickoff. Otherwise, it’s Drake Maye throwing to A.J. Brown.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2026 schedule and how it could all play out
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