Dolphins Schedule Only Gets Tougher From Here

Dolphins Schedule Only Gets Tougher From Here

There was a lot of hubbub in recent months about just how tough the Miami Dolphins’ schedule is supposed to be this season. Their strength of schedule is the second-toughest in the league, but that reality hasn’t hit the Dolphins quite yet.

After all, they’re only one game into the season and kicked off their 2026 campaign against one of the league’s worst teams, the Las Vegas Raiders. The Dolphins still got thoroughly outplayed by the Raiders, losing 27-13, but they were at least within striking distance for most of it.

Now, on their horizon are games against teams that have gotten off to good starts, and the Dolphins’ margin for error will be even thinner. Unfortunately for Miami, every one of its next five opponents is 1-0. The San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, and New York Jets are a combined 5-0 this season, and while those teams vary greatly in talent and capability, none will be easy outs.

Miami Must Find Answers Quickly

Plus, the toughest opponent in the Dolphins’ gauntlet of an upcoming schedule will probably be the Chiefs, who are on the heels of a highly impressive Monday Night Football victory over the Denver Broncos. Against a Broncos team that reached the AFC Championship a season ago and has realistic Super Bowl hopes, the Chiefs won 31-10, and Patrick Mahomes played in his first game since December of 2025.

All in all, the Dolphins’ Week 1 loss could be the start of a lengthy losing streak for Miami early in the season. Unfortunately, their schedule is only going to get tougher from here, and little suggests the young, inexperienced Dolphins can handle the storm.