2026 Miami Dolphins Game-by-Game Predictions after NFL Schedule Release

After failing to reach the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Miami Dolphins opted for a fresh start in 2026. Former stars like Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb are out, and Miami has reloaded with a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, a new quarterback in Malik Willis, and a league-high 13 draft selections.

With the NFL unveiling its 2026 schedule on Thursday, we now have a roadmap for the new-look Dolphins. The league's second-toughest strength of schedule (.542) will serve as an accurate measuring stick of where this team stands in its latest reinvention.

It's impossible at this point in the offseason to know exactly how Miami's season will unfold. However, that doesn't mean we can't make some early predictions. Here, you'll find projections for all 17 of Miami's games, along with an in-depth look at the schedule's most-anticipated matchups.

2026 Dolphins Schedule and Win/Loss Predictions

Week 1: Win - At Raiders 24, Dolphins 27

The Dolphins face a tough early-season road schedule, but they should also have a chance to generate some early positivity. Like Miami, the Las Vegas Raiders are rebuilding and could be ripe for an early stumble.

Fans probably won't see No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza in this one, as the Raiders are expected to go with Kirk Cousins until the rookie is ready. However, they should get to see the potential of Willis, De'Von Achane, rookie tackle Kadyn Proctor, and the rest of Miami's rebuilt offense.

It has to be noted that the Raiders have a new staff and made several marquee additions to their roster this offseason, including linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean. However, Las Vegas ranked just 25th in points allowed last season.

If the Dolphins can prevent Maxx Crosby from wrecking their game plan, they can escape this one with a win.

Week 2: Loss - At 49ers 26, Dolphins 20

Week 3: Loss - At Dolphins 22, Chiefs 24

Week 4: Loss - At Vikings 30, Dolphins 22

Week 5: Loss - At Dolphins 27, Bengals 31

Week 6: Bye

Week 7: Loss - At Jets 29, Dolphins 27

Week 8: Win - At Dolphins 27, Patriots 25

Divisional games bring fierce rivalries to the field, and you can bet that Dolphins fans have been circling this home matchup with the New England Patriots. The reigning AFC champs are where the Dolphins hope to be soon, on the winning side of a quick turnaround.

Naturally, New England will provide a tough test for a young Miami squad. With a playoff-caliber defense and an MVP-caliber quarterback in Drake Maye, the Patriots have a far better roster, on paper.

However, the Patriots are also a familiar opponent for Dolphins holdovers, and they haven't traditionally fared all that well in Miami. While New England swept last year's series, they won the away meeting by just six points and lost five straight in Miami before that.

Don't be surprised if New England brings a bit of Super Bowl hangover to South Beach, giving the Dolphins a chance to pull off one of the season's bigger shockers. Willis only has six starts on his resume, but he's flashed the sort of dual-threat ability that will allow him to go toe-to-toe and throw-for-throw with Maye.

Week 9: Loss - At Dolphins 23, Lions 33

Week 10: Win - At Colts 23, Dolphins 26

Week 11: Loss - At Bills 40, Dolphins 23

Week 12: Win - At Dolphins 35, Jets 23

Week 13: Loss - At Broncos 28, Dolphins 13

Week 14: Loss - At Dolphins 24, Bears 30

A big part of Miami's 2026 storyline will revolve around its quarterback situation. Will Willis play consistently well enough to cement himself as the Dolphins' quarterback of the future, or will Miami turn to what is expected to be an impressive 2027 quarterback class?

Against the Chicago Bears, the Dolphins will get a firsthand look at the type of player that could be behind door No. 2.

The Bears snapped up Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, and by the end of Williams' second season, he was playing like one of the game's elite. He helped lead Chicago to seven 4th-quarter comeback wins (including postseason) and an NFC North title.

Offensively, Miami should keep things interesting against arguably the NFC's hottest team. The Bears ranked just 29th in total defense last season and parted with multiple starters in the offseason. However, no one should be surprised if Williams ends another thriller with a late go-ahead score.

Week 15: Loss At Packers 27, Dolphins 23

Familiarity should make this a fun one. Hafley, Willis, and Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan all came to Miami from the Green Bay Packers. They'll have a plan for battling one of the NFC's top contenders.

Expect Willis to shine in this one, as he uses his arm to attack an inconsistent Packers secondary and his legs to keep Green Bay defenders grasping at air. He'll give Miami a legitimate shot at winning—especially if Packers pass-rusher Micah Parsons isn't fully recovered from his torn ACL—while fully justifying his three-year, $67.5 million contract.

However, Green Bay has the playmakers needed to respond at home. The Packers ranked just 15th in total offense last season. However, they should be able to put together a late drive against their former defensive coordinator to avoid the upset.

Week 16: Loss - At Dolphins 14, Chargers 24

Week 17: Loss - At Dolphins 26, Bills 30

Week 18; Loss - At Patriots 28, Dolphins 23

Final Prediction: 4-13

While four wins may feel like a low prediction, it falls right in line with the oddsmakers' expectations. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, the over/under for Dolphins 2026 wins is sitting at 4.5.

Could the Dolphins exceed expectations and perhaps even enter the playoff conversation? Of course. Fresh contenders seemingly emerge from nowhere all the time. After this offseason's talent purge, however, it simply doesn't feel like Miami is built to compete in the AFC East or against a brutal overall schedule.

It's also worth wondering if the Dolphins really want to rack up wins in 2026. They took a flier on Willis, but if he doesn't establish himself as a star this season, quarterback prospects like Arch Manning, Dante Moore, and Darian Mensah could be waiting at the top of the 2027 draft.

Publicly, teams don't tank. However, winning shouldn't be Miami's biggest priority this season. Instead, the Dolphins should focus on finding out what they have in Willis, developing rookies like Proctor,  Chris Johnson, and Jacob Rodriguez, and building a foundation for 2027.

Of course, the fun part about examining the schedule in May is that every team is undefeated, and at this point of the offseason, anything feels possible.