Ranking each game from Dolphins 2026 schedule from easiest to toughest

13. Week 13 at Denver Broncos

Denver may not have the best offense in the league, but their defense was phenomenal this past year. Plus, playing at that elevation is never fun.

12. Week 4 at Minnesota Vikings

This is a make-or-break year for J.J. McCarthy. If he can take advantage of having one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL, they could be scary.

11. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

While Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chas are all locked in on long-term deals, they're coming off a disappointing year. That pressure building in Cincinnati should be enough to keep them motivated and playing well in 2026.

10. Week 16 vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert and Mike McDaniel could be a match made in Heaven. If Miami's old head coach can unlock the former first-round pick's full potential, they'll be tough to stop.

9. Week 9 vs. Detroit Lions

Detroit may have taken a step back last year, but they still have Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown. They just need to stay healthy and have their coordinators put in the right plan.

8. Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes is coming off a torn ACL. There's a strong chance he's still on the sidelines for Week 3, but assuming he's back, it may take some time for him to get back to the player he was pre-injury.

7. Week 17 vs. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is always a tough matchup for the Dolphins, but at least this game is in South Florida.

6. Week 8 vs. New England Patriots

The AFC champions should be better with Drake Maye in the system for another season. Again, at least this game is in Miami.

5. Week 2 at San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco upset the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs last year, and now they've added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk to help their offensive woes.

4. Week 14 vs. Chicago Bears

Ben Johnson fully unlocked Caleb Williams last year. This offense could be even scarier after a full season together.

3. Week 18 at New England Patriots

This game could be one of the easiest on the schedule, depending on how the seeding is in the conference. If the Patriots have nothing to play for, they could bench their starters. If they don't and they're fighting, this could be an ugly end to the season.

2. Week 11 at Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is tough. Playing in Buffalo is even tougher.

1. Week 15 at Green Bay Packers

A cold game at Lambeau Field where Hafley and Malik Willis take on their former team. There's a strong chance that this game is a blowout.

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This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins 2026 schedule: Ranking each game from easiest to toughest