The 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror, and honestly, it was a bit of a rollercoaster for Fins fans. A 7-10 finish isn't exactly what anyone had on their bingo card back in August, but that's the NFL for you. Now that the dust has settled on the regular season, everyone is asking the same question: who do the Miami dolphins play next?
While we won't get the specific dates and kickoff times until the NFL does its big schedule release show in May, we actually already know every single opponent Miami will face in 2026. Because the NFL uses a rotating formula based on division standings and conference cycles, the "who" is already set in stone. The "when" is the only mystery left.
The 2026 Home Slate at Hard Rock Stadium
Miami's home schedule for 2026 looks like a gauntlet. If you’re planning on heading to Hard Rock, you’re going to see some of the biggest names in the league. Aside from the usual AFC East suspects, the Dolphins are hosting both the AFC West and the NFC North this year.
Buffalo Bills: The rivalry continues. After splitting the series in 2025—including that satisfying 30-13 win in November—the Bills remain the team to beat in the East.
New York Jets: Whether the Jets actually figure out their quarterback situation or not, these games are always a dogfight. Miami swept them in 2025, but you can bet the Green and White will be looking for revenge.
New England Patriots: The Pats looked like a different beast by the end of last season, finishing strong with a 14-3 record. Miami's home game against them will be a massive litmus test for Mike McDaniel’s squad.
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Kansas City Chiefs: Yeah, Patrick Mahomes is coming to town. This is easily the most anticipated non-divisional home game. The Chiefs didn't quite look like their invincible selves at times last year, but they’re still the gold standard.
Los Angeles Chargers: Always a weird, high-scoring affair when these two meet. The Chargers edged out Miami 29-27 in a heartbreaker last October, so this one feels personal.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow and company dominated Miami 45-21 late last season. Having them at home this time around might help, but that offense is scary.
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Chicago Bears: The NFC North rotation brings the Monsters of the Midway to South Florida. This will be a fun matchup of young talent.
Detroit Lions: Dan Campbell’s crew is no joke. They’ve built a culture of grit that travels well, making this a very dangerous home game for the Fins.
Hitting the Road: 2026 Away Opponents
Traveling is never easy, and the 2026 road trip list is basically a tour of some of the loudest and coldest stadiums in football.
- Buffalo Bills: Highmark Stadium in December? Kinda miserable, but a rite of passage.
- New York Jets: MetLife is basically a second home for Dolphins fans, but the environment is always hostile.
- New England Patriots: Gillette Stadium remains a house of horrors for many, though the Dolphins have played better there recently.
- Denver Broncos: Dealing with the altitude in Mile High is a specific kind of challenge.
- Las Vegas Raiders: A trip to Allegiant Stadium is always a fan favorite for traveling Fins supporters.
- Indianapolis Colts: Miami lost a rough 33-8 opener in Indy last year. They’ll be looking to right that wrong.
- Green Bay Packers: If this game lands in November or December, expect "Frozen Tundra" vibes.
- Minnesota Vikings: Thankfully, they play in a dome, so the weather won't be an issue, but that "Skol" chant is deafening.
- San Francisco 49ers: This is the big one. Mike McDaniel heading back to face his mentor Kyle Shanahan. The 49ers are arguably the most complete team in the NFC, making this arguably the toughest road game on the calendar.
Decoding the NFL Scheduling Formula
You might wonder how we know who do the miami dolphins play before the league even makes an announcement. It's not magic; it's math. The NFL schedule is built on a rigid cycle.
First, you play your own division rivals twice (six games). Then, you play one full division from your own conference (the AFC West this year) and one full division from the opposite conference (the NFC North). That gets you to 14 games.
The remaining three games are based on where you finished in the standings. Since Miami finished third in the AFC East, they play the third-place teams from the AFC North (Bengals), the AFC South (Colts), and the NFC West (49ers).
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What to Expect Next
The next major milestone is the 2026 NFL Schedule Release, typically held in mid-May. That’s when we’ll find out if Miami gets any more international games. Remember, last year they played the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain—a historic first for the league. While there’s no word yet on a 2026 international trip, the NFL is aggressive about expanding, so keep your passports ready.
If you are looking to secure tickets or plan travel, wait until that May announcement. The ticket market usually goes live within minutes of the schedule dropping.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Monitor the Draft: Miami has clear needs on the offensive line and in the secondary after the 7-10 finish. Watch the NFL Draft in April to see how they prepare for this tough 2026 slate.
- Budget for May: If you’re planning to attend the Chiefs or 49ers games, these will be "premium" tickets. Set aside a "Fins Fund" now so you can grab seats the moment they go on sale.
- Travel Strategy: For road games like Vegas or Green Bay, booking flights the night the schedule is released can save you hundreds before the "NFL tax" kicks in on airline prices.
The 2026 season is a chance for redemption. The opponents are tough, but that's exactly what this team needs to prove they belong in the elite tier of the AFC.