If you're frantically refreshing your feed asking what time is Miami Dolphins game today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s the kind of news no Dolfan wants to hear on a Thursday in mid-January.
The Miami Dolphins aren't playing today.
In fact, their season is officially in the rearview mirror. After a rocky 2025-2026 campaign that saw the team finish with a 7-10 record, Mike McDaniel's squad missed the cut for the postseason. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently heating up with teams like the Bills and Broncos preparing to clash, the Fins are already shifting their focus to the 2026 NFL Draft and the looming questions surrounding the roster.
What Time Is Miami Dolphins Game Today? Why the Fins Aren't on the Schedule
Since today is Thursday, January 15, 2026, you might be used to seeing a "Thursday Night Football" matchup on the calendar. However, the NFL schedule shifts significantly once the regular season ends. We are currently in the gap between the Wild Card round—which just wrapped up—and the Divisional Round, which kicks off this coming Saturday.
Because the Dolphins finished fourth in the AFC East, they didn't qualify for this January dance. If you’re still looking for a "Dolphin" fix today, the only game on the docket is actually on the hardwood. The Jacksonville Dolphins men's basketball team is playing Central Arkansas at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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But for the football team in South Florida? The pads are off.
Breaking Down the 2025-2026 Season Finale
It feels like just yesterday we were optimistic about a deep January run. Instead, the season ended on a sour note on January 4, 2026, with a 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. That game was the final answer to what time is Miami Dolphins game today for the 2025 season.
The struggle was real.
Miami's offense, which usually hums with high-octane speed, sputtered down the stretch. Injuries to key components of the offensive line and a defense that couldn't quite contain the divisional rivals' ground game led to a sub-.500 finish. Seeing the Patriots (14-3) and the Bills (12-5) advance into the Divisional Round while Miami watches from home is a tough pill to swallow for the 305.
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Key Moments That Defined the Season
- The International Test: The Week 11 win over the Commanders in Madrid was a high point, showing the global reach of the brand.
- The Divisional Struggle: Going 0-2 against both Buffalo and New England ultimately sealed their fate.
- Late Season Spark: The narrow 20-17 win over Tampa Bay in Week 17 gave fans a flicker of hope that died out in the finale.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Offseason Roadmap
Since there is no game today, the conversation in Miami has turned entirely to the "three Ps": Personnel, Play-calling, and the Picks.
The 2026 NFL Draft is where the rebuilding begins. Fans are already arguing over whether the front office should prioritize a franchise-altering edge rusher or look for more protection for the quarterback. Without a playoff game to prep for, the scouting department is currently deep-diving into collegiate tape.
We also have to talk about the coaching staff. Mike McDaniel remains a fan favorite for his personality and offensive mind, but a 7-10 finish in year four brings a level of scrutiny that wasn't there during the "playoff streak" years. Expect some changes in the defensive room as the team tries to figure out how to stop the run in a division that is suddenly dominated by powerhouse offensive lines.
How to Follow the Playoffs as a Dolphins Fan
Just because our guys aren't playing doesn't mean the football stops. The AFC is still wide open. If you want to scout the competition for next year, here is who is left in the hunt:
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- Denver Broncos (1): The top seed waiting to host the Bills.
- New England Patriots (2): Hosting the Texans this Sunday.
- Buffalo Bills (6): The divisional rival that just won't go away.
- Houston Texans (5): The surging dark horse of the AFC.
It’s weird not having a game to plan your Sunday around. No tailgating at Hard Rock, no "Aqua and Orange" jerseys in the stands. But that’s the reality of the NFL parity.
Actionable Next Steps for Dolfans
Since you can't watch the Fins today, here is how you can stay involved with the team during the lull:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 7-10 record, Miami is slated for a mid-to-early first-round pick. Start looking at Mock Drafts to see which offensive tackles might be available.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Bills vs. Broncos game on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET). Understanding how the top AFC teams are built will give you a better idea of the "gap" Miami needs to close.
- Follow Senior Bowl News: The scouting season starts now. Keep an eye on which prospects the Dolphins' staff is meeting with in Mobile, Alabama.
- Review the 2026 Opponents: The 2026 schedule is already taking shape. Miami will face the AFC West and NFC North next year, which means some tough matchups against the Chiefs and Lions are on the horizon.
The question of what time is Miami Dolphins game today won't have a football answer until the preseason kicks off in August 2026. Until then, we wait, we vent, and we hope the front office finds the missing pieces to ensure next January is spent on the field rather than on the couch.