The Dolphins’ regular season kicks off Sept. 7. Here’s what their record will be
The Miami Dolphins regular season is almost here!
Unfortunately, the Dolphins have a rather tough schedule as they play the AFC North, historically one of the toughest divisions in football, as well as play one of the hottest young teams in the Washington Commanders in Madrid.
Here’s a game-by-game prediction:
Sept. 7 @ Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m., CBS) Dolphins defense dominates quarterback Daniel Jones in his first start as a Colt. Offense makes up for lackluster performance in 2024. Dolphins 31, Colts 13
Sept. 14 vs. New England Patriots (1 p.m., CBS) Tua Tagovailoa walks into the home opener 7-0 against the Patriots. The Dolphins quarterback leaves undefeated, as the defense spoils Mike Vrabel’s first trip to Hard Rock Stadium as New England’s head coach. Dolphins 27, Patriots 20
Sept. 18 @ Buffalo Bills (8:15 p.m., Prime Video) Breaking news: Bills quarterback Josh Allen snaps when he plays the Dolphins. Out of all of his AFC East foes, he has the most passing touchdowns, yards and won the most games against the Dolphins. That won’t change as his win streak versus the Dolphins grows to six. Bills 34, Dolphins 26
Sept. 29 vs. New York Jets (7:15 p.m., ESPN) Fun fact: Jets quarterback Justin Fields had the game of his life — 123 yards through the air but a whopping 178 yards on the ground — in his lone game against the Dolphins. That November 2022 clash ended in a loss, and so will this as the Dolphins defense puts the clamps on the Jets offense. Dolphins 27, Jets 13
Oct. 5 @ Carolina Panthers (1 p.m., FOX) Dolphins offense puts the smackdown in Charlotte, North Carolina. The addition of receiver Tetairoa McMillan is not enough to power the Panthers’ offense. Dolphins 27, Panthers 16
Oct. 12 @ Los Angeles Chargers (1 p.m., CBS) The Chargers come into Hard Rock looking for revenge after a 36-34 nail-biter in Sept. 2023. They think second-year head coach Jim Harbaugh will help them get there. Unfortunately, jet lag dulls the Bolts’ spark in a close battle that ends in a Fins win. Dolphins 34, Chargers 31
Oct. 19 @ Cleveland Browns (1 p.m., CBS) Last year, the Dolphins easily handled the Browns without Tagovailoa. This year they do it with QB1 as the defense flattens Joe Flacco and Co. Dolphins 30, Browns 13
Oct. 26 @ Atlanta Falcons (1 p.m., CBS) Back-to-back away games don’t bother the Dolphins as they “walk in yo trap and take over yo trap.” Dolphins 27, Falcons 17
Oct. 30 vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:15 p.m., Prime Video) Short weeks suck. They’re even worse when a two-time MVP in Lamar Jackson waits on the other end. Pompano Beach’s own returns to a South Florida for the first time since 2021 and glides to a victory. Ravens 41, Dolphins 24
Nov. 9 vs. Bills (1 p.m., CBS) Allen’s only two blemishes on his record against the Dolphins have come in Miami Gardens. This one might be close, but them Buffalo boys unfortunately eke it out. Allen’s win streak goes to seven. Bills 31, Dolphins 28
Nov. 16 vs. Washington Commanders (9:30 a.m., NFL Network) The Dolphins-Commanders 2024 joint practice showed two things. One, quarterback Jayden Daniels could be a problem. Two, maybe let’s not have star guys such as Tyreek going 100% because bad things happen. Madrid now gets treated to a prime time – set your alarm clocks now for the 9:30 a.m. EST start – rematch. A reunion between the Commanders and receiver Terry McLaurin will give Daniels just enough juice to power the young quarterback into an overseas win. Commanders 27, Dolphins 21
WEEK 12: BYE
Nov. 30 vs. New Orleans Saints (1 p.m., FOX) Meet the Saints’ quarterback options: a second-year player who lost all six of his starts in 2024 (Spencer Rattler) and a 26-year-old rookie (Tyler Shough). The Dolphins bounce back from a three-game losing streak as both sides dominate to get the win at home. Dolphins 34, Saints 13
Dec. 7 @ Jets (1 p.m., CBS) Here’s where it starts to get interesting. The first cold-weather game of the year. Can the Dolphins pull it off? Not quite as first-year head coach Aaron Glenn gets a statement victory in a physical battle at MetLife Stadium. Jets 20, Dolphins 17
Dec. 15 @ Pittsburgh Steelers (8:15 p.m., ESPN) There’s a rumor that Mike Tomlin didn’t get the Dolphins head coach gig in 2007 because he was “too hip-hop.” Well, Mr. “Too Hip-Hop” hasn’t had a losing season. Mr. “Too Hip-Hop” got a Super Bowl ring. And Mr. “Too Hip-Hop” gets the victory. Newly minted Steelers Jonnu Smith and Jalen Ramsey get the last laugh. Steelers 23, Dolphins 20
Dec. 21 vs. Cincinnati Bengals (8:20 p.m., NBC) Finally back home and out of the cold. Too bad — Mr. Brrr (Joe Burrow) himself is in town. And he’s brought two friends with him. Receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins show the Dolphins why they probably should’ve invested a bit more into the outside cornerbacks. Bengals 31, Dolphins 27
Dec. 28 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1 p.m., FOX) Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans doesn’t get enough credit. He’s the only player in NFL history to start a career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Not even greats such as Jerry Rice, Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson did that. Bucs sail to South Florida and get the win as Evans helps lead his team to victory. Buccaneers 27, Dolphins 20
Jan. 4, 2025 vs. Patriots (TBD) Dolphins’ cold-weather woes continue as Patriots get revenge. Tagovailoa and his win streak stop here. Patriots 20, Dolphins 17
FINAL: 8-9
