The Miami Dolphins have released their 2025 NFL schedule, and it’s packed with storylines — from prime time showdowns to a historic international game in Madrid. (Miami Dolphins) Here’s a breakdown of the most important matchups, key challenges, and what fans should be watching this season.
Historic Game in Madrid
One of the biggest headlines: Miami will host the Washington Commanders in Week 11 at Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabéu Stadium — marking the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Spain. (Miami Dolphins)
- Kickoff is scheduled for Nov. 16, 2025, local time. (ESPN.com)
- This game underscores the league’s growing international footprint. (Investopedia)
- The Dolphins’ presence in Madrid isn’t just symbolic — they’re treating it like a true home game, with all the fanfare and importance. (Miami Dolphins)
Prime Time Heavy Slate
The 2025 season brings a major TV spotlight for the Dolphins:
- Five prime time games are on the schedule again — matching last year. (Miami Dolphins)
- Three of those prime time games are at home, the most at Hard Rock Stadium in 15 years. (Miami Dolphins)
- Key nationally televised matchups include:
- Week 3 at Buffalo (Thursday Night Football) (SI)
- Week 4 vs. the Jets (Monday Night Football) (SI)
- Week 9 vs. Baltimore (Thursday Night Football) (SI)
- Week 15 at Pittsburgh (Monday Night) (Miami Dolphins)
- Week 16 vs. Cincinnati (Sunday Night Football) (Miami Dolphins)
Full Regular Season Breakdown
Here’s a look at Miami’s 2025 regular-season opponents and key dates: (Source: Dolphins’ official site + ESPN) (Miami Dolphins)
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept 7 | Colts | Away (Lucas Oil Stadium) | Season opener (CBS News) |
| 2 | Sept 14 | Patriots | Home (Hard Rock) | Division battle (SI) |
| 3 | Sept 18 | Bills | Away, TNF | Prime time challenge (SI) |
| 4 | Sept 29 | Jets | Home, MNF | New York in prime time (Miami Dolphins) |
| 5 | Oct 5 | Panthers | Away | Eastern road trip (Yahoo Sports) |
| 6 | Oct 12 | Chargers | Home | Big AFC matchup (SI) |
| 7 | Oct 19 | Browns | Away | Tough divisional opponent (SI) |
| 8 | Oct 26 | Falcons | Away | Inter‑division game (Yahoo Sports) |
| 9 | Oct 30 | Ravens | Home, TNF | National spotlight (SI) |
| 10 | Nov 9 | Bills | Home | Rematch (SI) |
| 11 | Nov 16 | Commanders | Home (Madrid) | Historic international game (Miami Dolphins) |
| 12 | – | Bye Week | – | Mid-season breather (ESPN.com) |
| 13 | Nov 30 | Saints | Home | Post-bye test (ESPN.com) |
| 14 | Dec 7 | Jets | Away | Second matchup vs Jets (AS USA) |
| 15 | Dec 15 | Steelers | Away, MNF | Big road prime time game (SI) |
| 16 | Dec 21 | Bengals | Home, SNF | Big Sunday Night showdown (Miami Dolphins) |
| 17 | Dec 28 | Buccaneers | Home | Final home game of regular season (ESPN.com) |
| 18 | Jan 3/4 | Patriots | Away | Season-ender in New England (SI) |
What This Schedule Means for Miami
Easier First Half?
- According to ESPN, Miami’s early slate is relatively favorable. (ESPN.com)
- Six of their first eight games come against teams that did not make the playoffs in 2024. (ESPN.com)
- That could set the tone for a strong start — if they capitalize.
High-Stakes International Moment
- The Madrid game isn’t just a novelty — it’s a major statement about the Dolphins’ brand and the NFL’s expansion push. (Investopedia)
- Winning in a new market could boost morale and global visibility.
Prime Time Pressure
- With five nationally televised games, Miami will have plenty of moments in the spotlight.
- These games bring tougher opponents and greater expectations, but also huge opportunities to make a splash.
Tough Road Trips
- Games at Buffalo, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh are all challenging.
- Their road-heavy early schedule means they’ll need to hang tough away from home.
Critical Home Games
- Hosting Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, and New Orleans at Hard Rock gives the Dolphins a shot to control key moments.
- Success at home will be vital if they’re eyeing a playoff push.
Players And Storylines to Watch
- Tua Tagovailoa — The Dolphins will need their quarterback to be sharp in high-pressure games, especially on prime time and in Madrid. (The Times of India)
- Backfield & Offense — With tough road games early, the offensive unit must establish rhythm quickly.
- Defense in Big Moments — Facing playoff-level teams like Baltimore and Buffalo means the defense will be tested — often under the lights.
- Team Momentum — If Miami starts hot, they could ride that into the second half; if not, the tough road trip stretch could derail things.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
- International First: This season offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Dolphins play in Madrid — a historic milestone.
- Prime Time Galore: More national exposure means more excitement, bigger matchups, and real legacy moments.
- Balanced Yet Tough: While the first half looks manageable, the back end of the schedule brings real tests — a perfect mix for a serious playoff run.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Miami Dolphins schedule is one of the most intriguing in recent memory. Between historic international exposure, multiple prime time games, and a mix of winnable and challenging matchups, this could be a defining year for the franchise.
If Miami wants to turn heads — on the field and globally — they’ll need to deliver from the first whistle.
Related Posts You Might Like:
- Miami DolphinsOfficial 2025 Schedule (Miami Dolphins)
- ESPN Analysis of Dolphins 2025 Schedule (ESPN.com)
