Last Updated on August 20, 2026 11:43 am by Allen
Team Overview
The Dolphins are entering a full teardown after a 7-10 finish in 2025 cost Mike McDaniel his job (he’s now the Chargers’ offensive coordinator) and brought in first-time head coach Jeff Hafley, the former Packers defensive coordinator, alongside new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Miami moved on from nearly its entire offensive core, releasing Tua Tagovailoa (who signed with Atlanta after an NFL-record $99 million dead cap hit), releasing Tyreek Hill, and trading Jaylen Waddle to Denver, replacing them at quarterback with free-agent addition Malik Willis, who is set for his first season as a full-time starter.
With a first-year coaching staff and a new starting quarterback both getting their first real test, Miami enters 2026 as one of the longest shots in the AFC East and the league’s rebuild story to watch.
Offensive Line Analysis
Miami rebuilt the left side of its line this offseason, pairing returning left tackle Patrick Paul with first-round rookie Kadyn Proctor, who played tackle in college but begins his career at left guard. Center Aaron Brewer, coming off an All-Pro season, anchors the interior alongside second-year right guard Jonah Savaiinaea and oft-injured right tackle Austin Jackson, giving the Dolphins a young, physical unit whose ceiling depends heavily on Jackson staying healthy and Proctor’s transition inside.
Defensive Line Analysis
The Dolphins released veteran pass rusher Bradley Chubb and replaced him with free agents Josh Uche and David Ojabo plus rookie Trey Moore, hoping to pair them with third-year edge Chop Robinson, who the coaching staff expects to take a major step forward. Interior tackle Zach Sieler, who racked up 5.5 sacks after Week 10 last season, gives the front some proven interior pressure while the new pieces try to prove they belong.
2026 NFL Season
Week 1
Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders | Sunday, September 13 | 4:25 PM ET | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
Miami opens as a road underdog, priced at +150 on the moneyline against Las Vegas’s -180, with the total set at 41.5 points and the Raiders favored by 3. Las Vegas enters with its own new coaching staff under Klint Kubiak, but veteran Kirk Cousins won the Week 1 starting job over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, giving the home team a clear experience edge at quarterback.
Two rebuilding franchises open the season together, but Miami’s total roster turnover makes it hard to find an edge anywhere on the field in Week 1.
Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl
Odds to Win AFC East: +4000
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +35000
Predictions
Overall Record: The Dolphins are projected to finish around 4-13, in line with one of the lowest win totals in the league at 4.5.
Playoff Chances: Among the longest shots in the conference to make the postseason
Super Bowl Chances: Not a realistic factor in 2026
Miami is playing the long game this year, and the results are likely to be rough while Jeff Hafley and Malik Willis find their footing. Expect a season defined by development over results, with an eye toward 2027 once the new coaching staff and cap situation start to stabilize.
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