Miami Dolphins 2026 Schedule & Opponents

The Miami Dolphins 2026 schedule presents one of the most demanding paths in the AFC.

While official dates and kickoff times will be released in May, the confirmed opponent list already signals a high-leverage season. Miami enters 2026 facing the Buffalo Bills twice, hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, and navigating a cross-conference slate that includes the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears.

The Dolphins also carry the second-toughest projected strength of schedule in the league at .542 opponent win percentage. That ranking alone places immediate pressure on divisional performance.

The structure is set. The timing will determine the turbulence.

For the league-wide breakdown, see the complete 2026 NFL Schedule.

2026 Miami Dolphins Opponents

Home Games:
Buffalo Bills
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers
Cincinnati Bengals

Away Games:
Buffalo Bills
New England Patriots
New York Jets
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
Las Vegas Raiders
Minnesota Vikings
Indianapolis Colts
San Francisco 49ers

The home slate features three high-impact AFC opponents: Kansas City, Buffalo and Cincinnati. If those games land in prime-time windows, they could shape conference perception early.

Road trips introduce environmental contrast. Denver’s altitude, Green Bay’s late-season cold, and Las Vegas’ controlled climate offer different tactical challenges. Minnesota adds indoor speed, while San Francisco presents one of the NFC’s most consistent postseason contenders.

The AFC East remains tightly packed. Head-to-head games with Buffalo and New England will likely determine divisional positioning.

Strength of Schedule: Miami Dolphins Rank 2nd Toughest in 2026

The Miami Dolphins enter 2026 with a projected strength of schedule of .542, ranking second toughest in the league.

That number reflects multiple factors:

• Two games against the Buffalo Bills
• Hosting the Kansas City Chiefs
• Road trips to San Francisco and Green Bay
• Divisional volatility inside the AFC East

A top-two strength ranking reduces margin for error significantly. Early-season sequencing could determine whether Miami controls its divisional path or plays from behind.

Historically, teams with top-three strength rankings must win divisional games to avoid relying on Wild Card positioning.

Climate Contrast: Why Miami’s Schedule Is Unique

Few teams experience the environmental contrast that Miami does.

Early-season home games in South Florida often introduce heat and humidity that impact opposing teams unaccustomed to those conditions. Late-season road games in Buffalo or Green Bay flip that equation entirely.

This climate variance can influence tactical decisions, conditioning preparation and even fan travel patterns.

Games between Miami and Buffalo remain some of the most visually contrasting in the league. Sun exposure in Miami versus potential snow in Western New York adds a strategic layer beyond the standings.

Key Matchups That Could Define the Dolphins’ 2026 Season

Miami Dolphins vs Buffalo Bills

This remains the defining rivalry in the AFC East. With Miami carrying the second-toughest projected schedule and Buffalo ranking inside the top ten, divisional games could determine postseason access.

Miami Dolphins vs Kansas City Chiefs

A potential AFC playoff preview. Head-to-head results between conference contenders frequently influence seeding.

Miami Dolphins vs Cincinnati Bengals

An interconference matchup with Wild Card implications. Cincinnati’s lighter projected schedule contrasts with Miami’s heavier slate.

Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers

A road game against a perennial NFC contender. Travel timing and recovery windows will matter if this lands within a multi-game road stretch.

Home vs Road Strategy for 2026

Miami’s home schedule provides an opportunity to control early momentum. Hosting Kansas City, Buffalo and Cincinnati could allow the Dolphins to establish conference credibility.

Road sequencing will determine sustainability. Extended travel stretches to Denver, Green Bay and San Francisco could test depth and recovery management.

If divisional road games in Buffalo and New England are placed late, playoff scenarios could tighten quickly.

When Is the Miami Dolphins 2026 Schedule Released?

The NFL typically releases the full regular-season schedule in May. That announcement will confirm kickoff times, bye week placement and prime-time assignments for the Miami Dolphins 2026 schedule.

This page will update immediately once dates are finalized.

2026 Miami Dolphins Travel Packages & Road Planning

The Dolphins’ 2026 road schedule offers strong travel opportunities in Las Vegas, San Francisco and Green Bay.

Home games in South Florida also attract significant visiting fan travel, particularly during colder northern months. Late-season matchups often draw supporters seeking warmer game-day conditions.

Fans planning to attend road games or premium home matchups can explore 2026 Miami Dolphins Travel Packages for ticket-inclusive options and curated hotel stays.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Miami Dolphins 2026 Schedule

Who do the Miami Dolphins play in 2026?
Miami will face AFC East opponents twice and host the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals among others.

How many home games do the Miami Dolphins have in 2026?
The Dolphins will play eight regular-season home games.

When will the full Miami Dolphins 2026 schedule be announced?
The NFL historically releases the full schedule in May.

Do the Miami Dolphins play the Buffalo Bills in 2026?
Yes. Miami faces Buffalo twice as part of AFC East divisional play.

What Comes Next for the Miami Dolphins 2026 Schedule

The opponents are confirmed and the strength-of-schedule challenge is clear.

Once the NFL announces official dates in May, this page will expand to include full week-by-week listings, prime-time games and late-season playoff scenario analysis.

Monitor the complete 2026 NFL Schedule and review 2026 Miami Dolphins Travel Packages as the season approaches.