In the Spotlight: Miami Dolphins Begin a New Era in 2026

The Miami Dolphins enter the 2026 season looking much different after a 7-10 finish in 2025 produced major changes throughout the organization. Former Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley replaced Mike McDaniel as head coach, while Miami moved on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Malik Willis now takes over at quarterback after arriving in free agency. The Dolphins also retained one of their most dangerous offensive weapons in running back De’Von Achane while using the draft to begin rebuilding a roster that sportsbooks expect to face a difficult season.

What to Watch

Willis’ transition into the starting role will be Miami’s biggest storyline. The former Packers quarterback arrives without the receiving stars who powered the Dolphins’ offense in recent seasons. Miami instead has a largely rebuilt receiver room featuring Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Terrace Marshall Jr. and several younger options. Achane should consequently become an even bigger part of the offense. His combination of rushing and receiving ability gives Willis a proven playmaker as Hafley’s staff develops a new offensive identity. The offensive line is also undergoing considerable change. First-round pick Kadyn Proctor is among the newcomers expected to contribute immediately. Defensively, Miami will look for continued development from Chop Robinson, Kenneth Grant and Zach Sieler as Hafley attempts to improve a unit that ranked near the bottom of the NFL in several defensive categories last season.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks are approaching Miami as one of the NFL’s biggest longshots. BetMGM currently lists the Dolphins at +3500 to win the AFC East, +15000 to capture the AFC and +50000 to win the Super Bowl. Buffalo and New England are priced well ahead of Miami in the division market. DraftKings listed Miami’s win total at just 4.5 earlier in August, with Over +122 and Under -146. The Dolphins haven’t finished with fewer than five victories since 2007, meaning the market is projecting the possibility of one of the franchise’s worst seasons in decades.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 7-10, third in AFC East.
• Key players to watch: Malik Willis, De’Von Achane, Chop Robinson, Kenneth Grant, Zach Sieler and Kadyn Proctor.
• Expected starting QB: Malik Willis.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Malik Willis, Tutu Atwell, Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Reagor and Terrace Marshall Jr., along with draft additions including Kadyn Proctor, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr.
• Betting odds to win AFC East: +3500 at BetMGM.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +15000 at BetMGM.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +50000 at BetMGM.
• Win totals over/under: 4.5 wins; DraftKings recently listed Over +122 and Under -146.

2026-27 Miami Dolphins Schedule

Miami faces a challenging opening stretch with three of its first four games on the road and Kansas City visiting in Week 3. The Dolphins have their bye in Week 6.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	Las Vegas Raiders	Away
2	Sept. 20	San Francisco 49ers	Away
3	Sept. 27	Kansas City Chiefs	Home
4	Oct. 4	Minnesota Vikings	Away
5	Oct. 11	Cincinnati Bengals	Home
6	—	BYE	—
7	Oct. 25	New York Jets	Away
8	Nov. 1	New England Patriots	Home
9	Nov. 8	Detroit Lions	Home
10	Nov. 15	Indianapolis Colts	Away
11	Nov. 22	Buffalo Bills	Away
12	Nov. 29	New York Jets	Home
13	Dec. 6	Denver Broncos	Away
14	Dec. 13	Chicago Bears	Home
15	Dec. 20	Green Bay Packers	Away
16	Dec. 27	Los Angeles Chargers	Home
17	Jan. 3	Buffalo Bills	Home
18	TBD	New England Patriots	Away