The Miami Dolphins unveiled their full 2026 schedule on May 14, 2026, featuring a challenging slate that includes eight home games at Hard Rock Stadium and nine road contests.
Why it matters: The Dolphins finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 7-10 record and are looking to rebound under first-year head coach Jeff Hafley. This schedule presents both opportunities and challenges as they aim for improvement.
The Dolphins will kick off their season on the road against the Las Vegas Raiders on September 13, marking the 39th time in franchise history they start the season away from home.
This matchup is notable as it's the third time the Dolphins have opened a season against the Raiders, previously doing so in 1966 and 1975.
Miami's home opener is set for September 27 against the Kansas City Chiefs, a game that fans are eagerly anticipating.
Driving the news: The release of the schedule comes at a time when the Dolphins are retooling their roster and strategy. Coach Hafley's debut season begins with back-to-back road games.
After facing the Raiders in Week 1, the Dolphins will travel to San Francisco to take on the 49ers in Week 2.
Week 3 will see the Dolphins host the Chiefs, followed by a trip to Minnesota in Week 4.
They will have a bye week in Week 6, which could be beneficial for team adjustments early in the season.
State of play: The Dolphins' schedule is considered one of the toughest in the league, rated as the second-hardest based on opponents' winning percentage from the previous season.
Miami will face nine games against seven different playoff teams from 2025, tied for the third most in the NFL.
This includes four matchups against division champions, adding to the competitive intensity of their season.
Five of these games will be played on the road, increasing the challenge for the Dolphins.
The big picture: The Dolphins are in a rebuilding phase, aiming to improve from their last season's performance and establish a stronger presence in the AFC East.
Coach Hafley and quarterback Malik Willis are expected to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the team.
Fans are hopeful that the combination of new talent and coaching can lead to a more successful season.
Notable home opponents include the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, and Cincinnati Bengals, all of whom are expected to be tough competitors.
What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are weighing in on the Dolphins' prospects for the upcoming season.
ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques noted that November and December will be particularly telling months for Miami, as they face six playoff teams during that stretch.
"Success in 2026 won’t necessarily be measured in the win column, but on the Dolphins’ week-over-week improvement," he said.
Expectations are mixed, with some predicting a challenging season ahead, especially with a demanding schedule.
By the numbers: Key dates and matchups highlight the Dolphins' 2026 schedule.
Week 1: September 13 at Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 PM ET (Fox)
Week 2: September 20 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 PM ET (Fox)
Week 3: September 27 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 4: October 4 at Minnesota Vikings, 4:05 PM ET (Fox)
Week 5: October 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 PM ET (Fox)
Week 6: BYE WEEK
Week 7: October 25 at New York Jets, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 8: November 1 vs. New England Patriots, 4:25 PM ET (CBS)
Week 9: November 8 vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 PM ET (Fox)
Week 10: November 15 at Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 11: November 22 at Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM ET (Fox)
Week 12: November 29 vs. New York Jets, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 13: December 6 at Denver Broncos, 4:05 PM ET (Fox)
Week 14: December 13 vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 15: December 20 at Green Bay Packers, 1:00 PM ET (Fox)
Week 16: December 27 vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 1:00 PM ET (Fox)
Week 17: January 3 vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM ET (CBS)
Week 18: January 9 or 10 at New England Patriots, TBD
What's next: Fans can now purchase tickets for the 2026 season, which will likely be exciting as the Dolphins aim to turn things around.
Tickets are available through the Dolphins' official website and Ticketmaster, with single-game tickets already on sale.
Preseason games will also kick off, with the Dolphins traveling to Washington for their first matchup on August 14.
As the season approaches, the Dolphins will look to build momentum and chemistry among their players.