We all probably can agree that the Miami Dolphins are not going to have a winning season in 2026. We all can be on the same page when it comes to how many games they will win - likely less than 5. And we even should admit that no one thinks these rebuilding Dolphins are not going to win a game.
But that is where The Palm Beach Post Sports Staff enters to give you our expertise on how Miami will do this NFL season and what the final record will be.
Word of warning - this will not be pretty.
Bottom line, of course, is that first-year GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley will focus on putting the right players in the right positions to start the rebuilding process. It will take time and include some rough patches.
Jeff Hafley, Bruce Springsteen connected by more than New Jersey
Joe Schad, Dolphins beat writer: 3-14
The Dolphins might find a way to win four or five games, but everything would have to break right. This is a very difficult schedule. This is a very shaky roster. This was a necessary and dramatic tear-down. Don't blame the GM. Don't blame the coaches. All that matters here is that Miami shows improvement in the areas of culture and player development. In a best-case scenario, Malik Willis has a breakout season.
Hal Habib, Dolphins beat writer: 6-11
I know what you’re thinking: Is he mad, drunk or delirious? Somebody here has to set the ceiling, so I’ll bite the bullet. Picking six wins requires you to find such a pathway. It ain’t easy, but here goes. Step 1: Beat the Raiders to start the Hafley/Sullivan era. Step 2: Sweep the Jets. Ignore those New Yorkers who are assuming a sweep of Miami. You’re already halfway there! Step 3: Find 1-2 upsets no one sees coming. A successful November trip to Indianapolis is more realistic than games in Buffalo or Denver. That's one. The Dolphins are looking at a schedule featuring most of the NFL’s best QBs, but it says here the other upset could come against a QB2 to be named at a later date. Step 4: That’s only five wins, and a barely believable five at that. Is this guy going to pull the trigger on Dec. 20 at Green Bay? Sorry. The Dolphins won’t pull off the shocker in the Reunion Bowl. No. 6 comes in the regular-season finale: at New England! With AFC seeding secured, Patriots take foot off the gas and there’s a six-pack for the Dolphins. Unlike the six-pack required to make this prediction.
Tom D'Angelo, Post columnist: 4-13
The Dolphins have made it clear, the 2026 season is about one thing: Development. Development. Development. GM Jon-Eric Sullivan and coach Jeff Hafley are tasked with cleaning up the destruction left behind by the previous regime. That means spending the next few years acquiring and evaluating talent. Wins are irrelevant, except when it comes to the draft, in which case Miami wants to be in the best position to add a franchise QB. So, the fewer the better. The Dolphins will split with the Jets, pull off one upset and win two more tossup games.
Nick Pugliese, Post Sports Editor: 2-15
The Dolphins will win their opener against the equally hapless Raiders and their final game against the Patriots, who will be resting their starters for the playoffs. Best-case scenario is for Malik Willis to prove he's a solid NFL starting quarterback and all those rookies to prove they belong in the pros. Oh, and De'Von Achane must stay healthy. Alas, best-case scenarios usually don't happen in the NFL and Miami will be battered and bruised by November while a revolving door of waivers and signings mark this major rebuilding season.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2026 NFL season predictions: Long, ugly season ahead
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