Miami Dolphins 2026 Regular Season Opener

Miami Dolphins 2026 Regular Season Opener

The Dolphins open the 2026 season Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, beginning a season filled with more questions than answers. Miami is a young, unproven team, with a roster featuring plenty of young NFL players and veterans on one-year, prove-it contracts.

There is no better example than quarterback Malik Willis. Willis enters the season as Miami’s starting quarterback, and Sunday will be the first real opportunity to see how he handles the pressure of running an NFL offense when every possession matters. His athletic ability gives the Dolphins another dimension, but the biggest questions are about his decision-making, consistency, and ability to make plays when Miami needs them.

De’Von Achane is the premier playmaker on Miami’s offense and could be the key to making life easier for Willis. His speed forces defenses to account for him on every snap. Whether he is running the football or catching passes out of the backfield, Achane has the ability to turn a small opening into a huge play.

Expect Miami to lean on him early and often. If the Dolphins can establish the running game, they can take some pressure off Willis while forcing the Raiders to respect the entire offense.

On defense, Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler provide two important veteran pieces for a unit that has plenty to prove. Brooks gives Miami a playmaker and leader in the middle of the defense, while Sieler can provide strength and disruption along the defensive line.

Their experience will be especially valuable as younger players around them find their footing. Miami doesn’t need to be perfect defensively. It needs to tackle, limit big plays, and make the Raiders earn every yard.

The season will begin to reveal what Malik Willis can bring to the Dolphins at quarterback, which young players are ready to emerge, and which veterans on one-year contracts can establish themselves as long-term pieces. De’Von Achane will be counted on as the centerpiece of the offense, while Jordyn Brooks and Zach Sieler will provide veteran leadership and production as Miami looks to build a strong defense.

We won’t get all the answers today, but we’ll finally get our first real look. The games count now, and it’s time to find out what this young Miami team can become.