If you’re checking the TV guide or your betting apps to see who does Miami Dolphins play this week, I’ve got some bad news for you.
The Fins aren't playing. Not today, not tomorrow, and not this weekend.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season ended with a bit of a thud for Miami. While the NFL is currently deep into the Divisional Round of the playoffs—with teams like the New England Patriots and Houston Texans duking it out for a spot in the AFC Championship—the Dolphins are already back in South Florida, probably golfing or wondering what went wrong.
The regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, and since Miami didn't secure a playoff berth, their schedule is officially blank until the preseason kicks off later this summer.
What Happened to the Dolphins This Week?
Basically, the season came to a grinding halt after a brutal Week 18 loss. On January 4, Miami traveled up to a frigid Gillette Stadium to face the New England Patriots. It wasn't pretty. The Dolphins lost 38-10, finishing the year with a 7-10 record.
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You've probably seen the headlines. It was a "rebuild" year that felt more like a "deconstruct" year at times. Quinn Ewers was under center, Zach Wilson was waiting in the wings, and the offense just couldn't find its rhythm against a Patriots team that looked like a juggernaut.
Since that loss, the building has been quiet. Well, sort of. While there is no game this week, there is a massive amount of movement behind the scenes.
Why the "Offseason" Is Actually the Real Season Now
Just because there isn't a game on Sunday doesn't mean the Dolphins aren't "playing" the long game. The franchise is currently in a state of total flux. If you follow the beat reporters like those over at The Dolphin Seer or Sports Illustrated, you know the front office is basically being gutted and re-assembled as we speak.
1. The General Manager Hunt
Owner Stephen Ross and the remaining brass have been frantically interviewing candidates. We're talking about high-level names like Alec Halaby from the Eagles and Jon-Eric Sullivan from the Packers. They need a navigator for what looks like the toughest schedule in the league for 2026.
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2. The Tua Question
Even though the games have stopped, the conversation around Tua Tagovailoa has actually gotten louder. He finished the season with 2,660 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, but 15 interceptions and a dip in completion percentage have fans and analysts split. With a massive $56.4 million cap hit looming for the 2026 season, the "game" this week is a financial one. Can they afford to keep him? Can they afford to let him go?
3. Draft Positioning
The Dolphins are officially locked into the 11th overall pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are fighting for a Super Bowl, Miami scouts are in full-on "grind mode," watching film on offensive linemen and defensive anchors.
The AFC Playoff Picture (Without Miami)
It’s kinda painful to watch the AFC bracket right now if you’re a Fins fan. This weekend, January 17-18, 2026, features some heavy hitters:
- Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots: Sunday at 3:00 PM ET. This is the game Miami wished they were in. Instead, they’re watching Drake Maye continue his tear through the league.
- Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos: Saturday at 4:30 PM ET. Watching a division rival like the Bills stay alive in the postseason is always a tough pill to swallow for the Mins faithful.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since you won't be heading to Hard Rock Stadium this week, you might want to start looking at the gauntlet waiting for the team in the fall. The NFL has already released the list of 2026 opponents, and on paper, it looks like a nightmare.
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Miami is slated to face the Kansas City Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Detroit Lions. Because they finished lower in the standings, they technically have the "second toughest" strength of schedule based on last year’s win percentages.
Actionable Next Steps for Dolphins Fans
The season is over, but your fandom doesn't have to go into hibernation. Here is how you can stay locked in while the playoffs happen without us:
- Track the GM Interviews: Keep an eye on the official Dolphins social channels. The hiring of a new General Manager will happen long before the draft and will dictate the entire future of the Mike McDaniel era.
- Watch the Draft Prospects: Since Miami picks at #11, start looking at mocks for offensive tackles or interior defensive linemen. Names like Maui Noa have been floating around in early projections.
- Ignore the "Way-Too-Early" Record Predictions: People on Reddit are already saying the Fins will only win 4 games next year. Don't let the doom-scrolling get to you; free agency hasn't even started yet.
There's no game today. But in the NFL, the drama never actually takes a week off.