The Miami Dolphins released their 2026 schedule on Thursday, and one detail speaks volumes about how the league views them heading into the season. Despite joining the other 31 teams in unveiling their slate of games, the Dolphins find themselves without a single prime-time matchup.

With a new general manager and head coach at the helm, plus a roster overhauled with inexpensive one-year deals, expectations are low for Miami. The NFL's scheduling decisions reflect this: the Dolphins have 11 games scheduled for the early 1:00 p.m. ET window and five in the later afternoon slot (4:05 or 4:25 p.m. ET). Their Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots remains TBD, pending late-season stakes.

It's a stark contrast to recent years. Had the team not moved on from stars like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and Minkah Fitzpatrick over the past few months, they'd likely have secured at least one standalone game. But the NFL knows that Jeff Hafley's squad is projected to struggle, so they've prioritized other teams for the coveted prime-time slots.

For Dolphins fans, this schedule is a clear signal: the league expects a rebuild, not a playoff push.