If you’re refreshing your feed looking for a Miami Dolphins score for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, I have some news that might sting a little. The Dolphins aren't playing. Actually, their season wrapped up nearly two weeks ago.
It’s a weird feeling, right? Usually, by mid-January, we’re hoping for a deep playoff run or at least a Wild Card miracle. But today, while the Denver Broncos are hosting the Buffalo Bills and the 49ers are clashing with the Seahawks in the Divisional Round, the Dolphins are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft.
Where Did the Season Go?
To understand why there isn't a score today, you have to look back at how January started. The Dolphins finished their 2025-26 campaign with a 7-10 record. Honestly, it was a bit of a rollercoaster that ended in a nosedive.
The final blow came on January 4, 2026, against the New England Patriots. If you missed that one, it wasn't pretty. The Patriots, led by an MVP-caliber season from Drake Maye and coach Mike Vrabel, absolutely dismantled Miami at Gillette Stadium. The final score was 38-10.
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- Final Score: Patriots 38, Dolphins 10
- Total Record: 7-10 (3rd in AFC East)
- Current Status: Eliminated from postseason
The game was basically over by the third quarter. Rhamondre Stevenson went off for three touchdowns, and the Dolphins' defense, which was missing Chop Robinson and Minkah Fitzpatrick, just couldn't plug the holes. It was one of those games where you’re checking the clock every five minutes, just waiting for the misery to end.
Why People are Searching for a Miami Score Today
I get why you might be confused. If you saw "Miami" trending on the sports ticker this morning, it was likely the Miami Hurricanes basketball team. They played a high-stakes ACC matchup against the No. 22 Clemson Tigers today.
The 'Canes lost that one 69-59. It snapped a 10-game winning streak for them. So, if you're a South Florida sports fan, today hasn't exactly been a "victory Monday" type of Saturday.
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The Reality of the AFC East Standings
The AFC East has been a gauntlet this year. Look at how the division finished up:
- New England Patriots (14-3): They won the division and secured the #2 seed.
- Buffalo Bills (12-5): They grabbed a Wild Card spot and are actually playing today against Denver.
- Miami Dolphins (7-10): A season of "what ifs."
- New York Jets (3-14): Total rebuild mode.
The Dolphins started the year with so much promise, but injuries and a late-season slump really nuked their chances. Losing to the Patriots twice and dropping critical games in December meant that by the time the playoffs rolled around on January 10th, Miami was already on the outside looking in.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Roster
A lot of folks think the Dolphins need to blow the whole thing up. I don't buy that. When Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are healthy, this offense is still explosive. The problem was the trenches.
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The offensive line struggled to keep the pocket clean in the final month. Also, the defense felt the absence of Robinson's pass rush toward the end. You can't win in the AFC East if you can't pressure the quarterback—especially with guys like Drake Maye and Josh Allen in the division.
Actionable Next Steps for Dolphins Fans
Since there isn't a game to watch today, here is how you can actually track the team's progress over the next few weeks:
- Watch the Senior Bowl: Keep an eye on offensive line prospects. This is where the Dolphins will likely spend their early draft capital.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: There are rumors about defensive coordinator shifts after the Week 18 blowout.
- Free Agency Prep: Look at the cap space. Miami has some tough decisions to make on expiring contracts this February.
The Miami Dolphins score for today is effectively 0-0 because the season is in the rearview mirror. It sucks, I know. But while the Bills and Broncos battle it out on CBS, the silver lining is that the draft order is starting to solidify, and Miami is in a position to reload for a better 2026.
Keep an eye on the NFL Combine in late February. That’s when the "real" season starts for a team in Miami's position.