If you’re refreshing your feed and frantically asking what time is the dolphins game today, I have some news that might sting a little. You probably won't find a kickoff time for the Miami Dolphins this afternoon.
The NFL regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026. For those of us who bleed teal and orange, that final 38-10 loss to the New England Patriots was a rough way to head into the winter. Miami finished the 2025-2026 season with a 7-10 record.
Basically, the Dolphins aren't playing today because they didn't make the postseason cut.
The Current State of the 2026 NFL Playoffs
While the Dolphins are likely already eyeing the scouting reports for the upcoming draft, the rest of the league is heating up. We are currently in the thick of the NFL Divisional Round.
Honestly, it’s a bit weird to see the AFC East represented by the Patriots and Bills while Miami is on the sidelines. If you were looking for football to watch today, Friday, January 16, you’re actually a day early for the playoff triple-header. The real action starts tomorrow.
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Who Is Playing This Weekend?
If you need a football fix even without the Phins, here is the lineup for the next 48 hours:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos at 4:30 p.m. ET. Later that night, the 49ers and Seahawks face off at 8:00 p.m. ET.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to play the Patriots at 3:00 p.m. ET, followed by the Rams vs. Bears at 6:30 p.m. ET.
It’s a stacked schedule. Just... no Dolphins.
Wait, Why Did I See a Dolphins Game Listed for Today?
You might have seen a "Dolphins vs. Ravens" game listed online for Friday, January 16, 2026. If you did, you're likely looking at a youth league or regional flag football schedule.
For instance, the South OC FNL (Friday Night Lights) has a "1/2 Miami Dolphins" team scheduled to play the "1/2 Baltimore Ravens" at 5:00 p.m. PST today at Lake Forest SP T5. It’s adorable, but it’s definitely not Tua and Tyreek Hill out there.
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There is also a massive game happening on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium, but it isn't the NFL. The Miami Hurricanes are playing Indiana for the College Football Playoff National Championship on January 19. If you’re in South Florida, that’s where the energy is right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Dolphins Schedule
A lot of fans start looking for what time is the dolphins game today because they assume the 17-game schedule pushes deeper into January. It does, but only for the elite.
Miami’s 2025 season was a rollercoaster. They had a strong mid-season surge with wins over the Bills and Saints, but losing three of their last four games killed the momentum.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The NFL won't release the official 2026 schedule until May, but we already know who the Dolphins will be facing. Because of the way NFL scheduling rotations work, Miami is set for a brutal run next year.
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They are matched up against the NFC North in 2026. That means games against the Lions, Packers, Bears, and Vikings—all of whom finished with winning records this past season. Experts like Omar Kelly have already pointed out that Miami’s strength of schedule (SOS) for 2026 is sitting at a projected .542, one of the toughest in the league.
Actionable Steps for Dolphins Fans Today
Since there isn't a game to watch, here is what you should actually be doing to stay in the loop:
- Monitor the Coaching Search: Rumors are swirling about potential staff changes. Some are even suggesting the Dolphins should look at college coaches like Curt Cignetti, though that's largely speculation at this stage.
- Check the Salary Cap: Miami has some big decisions to make regarding veteran contracts before the new league year begins in March.
- Watch the Hurricanes: If you need to see a "Miami" team win a trophy, the National Championship game this Monday is your best bet.
You won't find a kickoff time for the professional Dolphins today, but the road back to the playoffs starts with the off-season moves happening right now. Keep an eye on the waiver wire and the draft boards.