Miami Dolphins 2011 Schedule: The 5 Most Interesting 2011 Matchups

The 2011 schedule for the Miami Dolphins has been released.

Based on last year's records, the Dolphins have the eleventh toughest schedule in the NFL and are set to travel a total of 20,480 miles next season.

Unfortunately for the Dolphins, all their games are not on the road.

The Dolphins finished a pathetic 1-7 at home in 2010 and must improve in that area.

Here is a look at the five most interesting matchups scheduled for 2011.

5. Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Glover Quin #29 of the Houston Texans and Brian Cushing #56 celebrate after recovering a fumble late in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Lev

The Houston Texans are not normally on anyone's most interesting matchups list.

However, the Dolphins have never beaten the Texans (0-5 all-time).

The Dolphins will have a chance to make history and get this monkey off their back in week 2, when Houston come to Sun Life Stadium for a 4:15 p.m. matchup.

The game is also an intriguing matchup of two teams that are trying to get over the 8-8/7-9 hump, and into the playoffs.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against Desmond Bishop #55 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pen

Week 14 brings the Philadelphia Eagles to South Florida. It's all too rare that NFC teams come to Miami, and many fans look forward to seeing fresh opponents.

There'll no doubt be a lot of Eagles fans in Sun Life Stadium, but it also provides the Dolphins fans a chance to boo Michael Vick.

The Eagles will also bring with them an electrifying playmaker in DeSean Jackson.

What's more, the game itself could have huge playoff implications. Week 14 is often when a team either makes their playoff push or their season collapses.

The head-to-head all-time record favors the Dolphins, 7-5.

3. Dallas Cowboys

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Quarterback Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares to snap the ball during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Week 12, the Dolphins head to Dallas for a Thanksgiving matchup.

Who doesn't love playing on Thanksgiving?

The Dolphins have had mixed results in Dallas on Thanksgiving.

In 1999, the Dolphins lost an embarrassing 20-0 game. However, in 1993, the Dolphins won the infamous Leon Lett game 16-14.

The Cowboys will be looking to continue the momentum gained at the end of 2010 under Jason Garrett.

Not to mention, this will be the first matchup between these two teams since Jeff Ireland left Dallas to come to Miami.

All-time, the Dolphins lead the series at 7-5.

2. New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: The New York Jets huddle around Mark Sanchez #6 during their 2011 AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Year-in and year-out, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins matchups are always interesting.

In 2011, in both games, it appears as if that trend will continue.

The Dolphins head to New York in week 6 for a prime time Monday Night Football matchup.

MNF is always exciting and brings even more hype. The Dolphins have had good success in New York over the last couple seasons and will look to continue that.

The teams meet again in the final week of the season in Miami in 2012. This game could decide whether one team makes the playoffs and the other doesn't.

All-time, the Jets hold the head-to-head advantage at 47-43-1.

1. New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/G

If there is one team that Dolphins fans love to hate, it's the New England Patriots.

What better way to open the 2011 season than with a Monday Night Football matchup featuring the Patriots and the Dolphins in Miami?

Sun Life Stadium is electric on Monday nights and the electricity will be even greater for a season opener.

The MNF matchup with the Pats last season did not go well for the Dolphins (I was there, unfortunately). However, this year, the Dolphins will get a chance at revenge right off the bat.

The teams will meet again in New England, week 16, in a Christmas Eve game.

The Dolphins' lack of success in cold weather is no secret and their toughness will be put to the test once again.

I love watching snow football, just not snow football with my Dolphins involved.

All-time, the Dolphins hold the head-to-head advantage at 50-41.