If you’re frantically scrolling through your program guide or refreshing your sports apps trying to figure out what channel is dolphins game today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little.
The Miami Dolphins are not playing today, January 17, 2026.
It’s Divisional Round Saturday in the NFL, but the Hard Rock Stadium lights are dark. While fans in Denver and Seattle are gearing up for high-stakes playoff football, the Dolphins’ 2025-2026 campaign has officially hit the offseason.
Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow. After a season that saw its fair share of spectacular deep balls and frustrating defensive lapses, Miami finished with a 7-10 record. That’s just not enough to get an invite to the playoff dance this year. Instead of a postseason run, the front office is already deep in "evaluation mode," looking at the 2026 NFL Draft and trying to figure out how to jump the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots in the AFC East standings.
Why Isn't the Miami Dolphins Game on TV?
The NFL schedule for today is strictly for the elite few. We’ve reached the Divisional Round. That means only eight teams are left standing.
Today’s double-header features:
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- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS)
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX)
Since the Dolphins didn't make the cut this year, there is no "local" broadcast or primetime slot for Tua and the crew. If you see a Dolphins logo on your screen today, it’s probably a highlight reel of Tyreek Hill’s season or a pre-recorded analysis of what went wrong in South Beach.
Where to Find the Dolphins Next Season
While you can’t watch a live game today, we actually already know who Miami will be lining up against when the 2026 season kicks off. The NFL’s scheduling formula is basically a math equation, so we don't have to wait for an official "Schedule Release" in May to see the opponents.
Home Games at Hard Rock Stadium
When the new season starts, the Dolphins will host a pretty brutal slate of visitors. Beyond the usual AFC East suspects (Bills, Patriots, and Jets), fans will see:
- Kansas City Chiefs: Expect the Mahomes-to-Kelce show to be a tough ticket.
- Detroit Lions: A high-powered NFC offense coming to town.
- Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams’ first trip to Miami? That’ll be a story.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Always a shootout.
Road Trips to Watch For
The away schedule is just as daunting. The Fins have to travel to:
- Denver Broncos: Hopefully, they won't have to play in the thin air quite as late in the year as today's game.
- San Francisco 49ers: A major test of speed versus speed.
- Green Bay Packers: Let’s pray for a September or October date so they don't have to deal with the Frozen Tundra.
What Channel Is Dolphins Game Today? Understanding the 2026 Broadcast Landscape
If the Dolphins were playing, the broadcast landscape would look a bit different than it did a few years ago. In 2026, NFL rights are spread across more platforms than ever.
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Typically, if it’s a Sunday afternoon game against an AFC opponent, you’re looking for CBS (and streaming on Paramount+). If they’re playing an NFC team at home, it’s usually FOX.
But "primetime" is where it gets messy. Amazon Prime Video still holds the keys to Thursday Night Football. ESPN handles Monday nights, and NBC/Peacock owns Sunday Night Football. If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ve basically got to have a rotation of Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV just to keep up.
The Big Story: Historic NFL Game in Spain
Even though there's no game today, there is one massive piece of news for 2026 that every Dolfan should have circled on their calendar.
The Miami Dolphins are heading to Spain.
The NFL has confirmed that the Dolphins will host the league's first-ever regular-season game in Madrid. This isn't just a preseason exhibition; it’s a real game that counts toward the standings. It’s part of the league’s aggressive "International Home Marketing Area" program, where Miami has been a lead dog in building a Spanish fanbase.
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Imagine watching the Dolphins on a Sunday morning while you're eating breakfast because of the time difference. It’s going to be a logistical hurdle, but for the brand, it’s huge.
What Should Fans Do Today Instead?
Since you can't find what channel is dolphins game today, the best move is to keep an eye on the AFC Divisional matchup between Buffalo and Denver.
Why? Because the Bills are the barometer for the Dolphins.
If Buffalo wins today, it just proves the AFC East is still running through Orchard Park. If they lose, it might signal a shift in power that Miami could exploit next year. Watching how the Broncos' defense handles the Bills' passing attack might give Mike McDaniel some ideas for the 2026 game plan.
Practical Next Steps for Fans:
- Audit your streaming services: If you were confused today, check which services you actually used this season. You might be able to cancel Paramount+ or Sunday Ticket for the next six months to save some cash.
- Monitor the Senior Bowl: Keep an eye on the East-West Shrine Bowl and the Senior Bowl later this month (January 27th and 31st). That’s where the Dolphins will be looking for the next hidden gem to fix the offensive line.
- Check Passport Expirations: If you're even considering going to the Spain game, check your passport now. 2026 will be here before you know it.
The season is over, but the work for 2026 has already started. We’ll see you back on the couch in September.