Dolphins game-by-game predictions after 2026 NFL Schedule release

The Miami Dolphins underwent a massive rebuild in the offseason. Many are projecting the team to lose a lot of games, but now that the schedule has been released, will that end up being the case?

Week 1 @ Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders finished last season with the worst record in the NFL, which afforded them the opportunity to draft Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the Dolphins will be gunning for the number one selection in next year’s class. Despite signing Malik Willis, they just might take a QB first overall if given the chance. A loss to the Raiders would help in the pursuit of Arch Manning or Dante Moore.

Loss

Week 2 @ San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins are two teams that have been ravaged by injuries in recent years. This Week 2 matchup is too early to be a battle of attrition, so the 49ers have the definite advantage. Brock Purdy vs. Willis is a battle of two very different styles. Purdy is more of a game manager, whereas Willis is a rushing quarterback with a rocket arm. The 49ers should win this game.

Loss

Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs may have had a down year last season, but they are still in the midst of a dynasty. The core knows how to win ball games, something that an unproven Dolphins lineup will take a while to discover. Miami will struggle against Kansas City, especially if Patrick Mahomes is back on the field after a torn ACL.

Loss

Week 4 @ Minnesota Vikings

Wins might be few and far between for the Dolphins this season, but they have a winnable game in Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings. Slowing down Justin Jefferson will be the key for Miami, which won’t be easy to do with an underwhelming secondary. Jefferson underperformed with JJ McCarthy throwing him the ball last season, though, and Miami has high hopes for Chris Johnson.

Win

Week 5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals can beat anybody, but are just as likely to lose to anyone. This streaky nature may cost them at some point. A loss to the Dolphins would come as a shock, but Miami isn’t going to go winless. Malik Willis has tons of raw potential, and he might put it on display against a Bengals team with a bad defense.

Win

Week 7 @ New York Jets

A series split against the Jets seems likely. The Dolphins would be more likely to lose to the Jets at MetLife Stadium than Hard Rock Stadium.

Loss

Week 8 vs. New England Patriots

The AFC East has two really bad teams in it and two teams looking to win the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots are fresh off an appearance in Super Bowl 60, so they should have no problem handling the Dolphins, even in a game in Miami.

Loss

Week 9 vs. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions may have finished in last place in the NFC North, but don’t get it twisted, they are one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Even though the team is too often fallen short against playoff-caliber teams in recent years, their loaded roster has dominated inferior competition. Week 9 could be a blowout.

Loss

Week 10 @ Indianapolis Colts

A Week 10 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts could depend heavily on whether Daniel Jones is recovered from a torn achilles. Even if he isn’t, the Colts could rely on Jonathan Taylor. The Dolphins revamped their front seven in the 2026 NFL Draft, but a veteran powerback like Taylor could have a field day against a young defense.

Loss

Week 11 @ Buffalo Bills

Buffalo isn’t an easy place to play. The Dolphins, in particular, have historically struggled in the cold weather of New York. That won’t change this year.

Loss

Week 12 vs. New York Jets

While the Dolphins are expected to be toward the bottom of the standings this year, they could be joined in that regard by the divisional rival New York Jets. These two teams could be battling it out for the top pick in next year’s draft. New York is more desperate for a long-term quarterback than Miami, which could lead to a Dolphins win in Week 12.

Win

Week 13 @ Denver Broncos

As a part of their massive fire sale, the Dolphins traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. The receiver could be looking for revenge when he takes on his old team. The Dolphins gave up so many players, including Waddle, because they will look to contend in a few years, but winning is unlikely to be frequent this season.

Loss

Week 14 vs. Chicago Bears

While the Bears did lose a number of players from their secondary in the offseason, they were the best team at creating turnovers last year. If their interception magic continues, Geno Smith and company will be in for a long day.

Loss

Week 15 @ Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers, like the Dolphins, suffered numerous offseason losses. Green Bay’s departures were less so their choice than the exodus from Miami, though. Jordan Love and company will target Miami’s depleted secondary, which will lead to a Packers’ victory.

Loss

Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

The Dolphins and the Los Angeles Chargers are two teams that have been loaded with talent in recent years, yet they’ve both fallen short of expectations far too often. The Dolphins hit the reset button this offseason, though, so the Chargers should be able to win this matchup.

Loss

Week 17 vs. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have had their fair share of postseason struggles, but they are a dominant force in the regular season. Expect a huge statistical performance from Josh Allen in this Week 17 matchup.

Loss

Week 18 @ New England Patriots

By Week 18, the Dolphins will be playing for draft position. Even if the Patriots are resting their starters, the Dolphins are going to do what it takes to lose the game.

Loss

Dolphins’ 2026 record: 3-14

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