MIAMI GARDENS ― The Miami Dolphins will open their 2026 season at the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 4 p.m.
Most gambling institutions project the Dolphins to finish between 3-14 and 5-12 and they are expected to miss the NFL's postseason for a third straight season.
In order to exceed expectations, Miami needs Malik Willis to shine and the offensive line, wide receivers,pass rush and pass coverage to improve.
Here are some bold predictions for 2026:
Chris Bell leads the Dolphins in receiving yards
It's entirely possible that rookies Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas each post around 700 receiving yards this season. We're going to put our chips on Bell leading the team in receiving yards.
Yes, it is possible De'Von Achane, Greg Dulcich and/or Malik Washington may all be in the same range
in total catches. But we think Bell emerges as WR1 fairly quickly.
Dolphins surpass 2019 record in points allowed
The Dolphins allowed a team-record 494 points in 2019.
Miami played only 16 games that year and will play 17 this year. This is not a reflection on the effort or talents of Jeff Hafley, Sean Duggan, Jordyn Brooks, Jacob Rodriguez or Zach Sieler. But Miami is probably going to give up at least 30 points per game this season.
Miami will finish Top 10 in yards per rush, attempt
Miami was close to that last season. And we believe Miami is going to run, run, run the ball this season.
Expect a career-high in De'Von Achane touches. And expect Miami to get some things going on the ground behind massive Patrick Paul and Kadyn Proctor on the left side as well as an improved Jonah Savaiinaea and please-stay-healthy Austin Jackson on the right.
Jacob Rodriguez first-team All-Rookie
Jacob Rodriguez is the real deal. There is no reason he should not be a first-team All-Rookie in 2026. And he is a potential NFL defensive rookie of the year watch candidate.
Yes, David Bailey, Arvell Reese and Rueben Bain will be major factors. But what if Jacob puts up 100 tackles, 4+ interceptions and 4+ forced fumbles? He could be NFL defensive rookie of the year.
Dolphins win at Packers in December
The Dolphins seem most likely to finish between 3-14 and 5-12 but who's to say they can't pull off a big upset at Green Bay? The Dolphins are 9-point underdogs at the moment.
You know this game will mean everything to former Packers Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis. And you know Miami wants to show they can win the cold, against a top-notch physical opponent, on the road.
Who says they can't?
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins 2026 bold predictions: Chris Bell leading receiver
