If you’re refreshing your phone looking for a Miami Dolphins score today, I have some bad news. There isn't one. Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026, and while the NFL Divisional Playoffs are currently in full swing, the Fins are watching from the couch.
Honestly, it's a bit of a bummer. After a season that felt like a rollercoaster with the brakes cut, Miami finished the 2025-2026 regular season with a 7-10 record. Their last official game was a tough 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots back on January 4th. Because of that, they didn't make the cut for the postseason.
Instead of a Dolphins game, today’s NFL slate features the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos and the San Francisco 49ers facing the Seattle Seahawks. If you’re a Miami fan, seeing the Bills in the Divisional Round probably stings a little extra.
What Happened to the Dolphins This Season?
The quest for a Miami Dolphins score today ends in the draft lottery rather than the end zone. The 2025 season was defined by "almosts." We saw glimpses of brilliance from the offense, but consistency was a ghost.
The final standing in the AFC East tells a grim story:
- New England Patriots: 14-3
- Buffalo Bills: 12-5
- Miami Dolphins: 7-10
- New York Jets: 3-14
Miami ended the year on a sour note, struggling to keep pace with a dominant Patriots team led by Drake Maye and a revitalized Rhamondre Stevenson. That Week 18 loss in Foxborough officially slammed the door on any wildcard hopes. Quinn Ewers, who saw significant time under center this year, showed some flashes—like that 2-yard touchdown pass to Malik Washington in the second quarter of the finale—but it wasn't enough to overcome a defense that gave up 38 points to the Pats.
The Silver Lining: No. 11 Overall Pick
Since there is no Miami Dolphins score today, fans are already pivoting to April. Because of their 7-10 finish, the Dolphins have secured the No. 11 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
This is actually a huge deal. It’s their highest selection since 2021 when they took Jaylen Waddle at No. 6. According to draft analysts at sites like DolphinsTalk, the team is sitting on a goldmine of capital with five picks in the top 100.
Most experts agree the team needs to get younger and faster on defense. The secondary looked thin toward the end of the year, and with Tyreek Hill’s future always being a topic of conversation in South Florida, another playmaker on the outside wouldn't hurt either.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Even though there’s no game today, the 2026 opponents are already locked in. It’s not going to be an easy road back to the playoffs. In fact, based on the 2025 winning percentages, Miami is projected to have the second-toughest schedule in the entire NFL for the upcoming season.
They’ll be facing the NFC North (Lions, Packers, Bears, and Vikings), which is currently one of the most competitive divisions in football. They also have a "17th game" matchup against the San Francisco 49ers.
Here is a look at who they’ll face at Hard Rock Stadium next year:
- Buffalo Bills
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
That’s a gauntlet. Facing Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and a rising Chicago Bears team at home means the Dolphins can't afford a slow start like they had this year.
Why the Playoffs Look Different Without Miami
It’s weird not seeing the aqua and orange on a playoff Saturday. Usually, we're talking about Tua Tagovailoa's efficiency or Tyreek Hill's "peace sign" sprints. Instead, the AFC is being dominated by the Broncos and Patriots this cycle.
If you’re looking for a reason to watch today's actual games, keep an eye on the Bills vs. Broncos. Denver secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and Buffalo is trying to prove they’re the true kings of the East after Miami’s stumble.
Actionable Steps for Dolphins Fans
Since you can't cheer for a win today, here is how you can stay locked in during the off-season:
- Track the Draft Board: Start looking at mock drafts for the No. 11 pick. Cornerback and Offensive Line are the two biggest "needs" being discussed by local Miami media.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: There are always rumors about defensive adjustments after a 10-loss season. Keep an eye on any coordinator shifts in the coming weeks.
- Check the Salary Cap: Miami has some big decisions to make regarding veteran contracts. Use sites like OverTheCap to see how much room they have to play with in free agency this March.
- Watch the National Championship: If you need a local fix, the Miami Hurricanes are playing Indiana for the National Championship on Monday, January 19th. It’s not the NFL, but it’s high-stakes football in the 305.
The search for a Miami Dolphins score today might come up empty, but the groundwork for a better 2026 season starts right now.