The Miami Dolphins have gone under their win total in consecutive seasons after a six-year streak of matching or exceeding expectations. It was borderline impressive to see a team that failed to eclipse 200 passing yards in over half its games end up with seven wins following a 1-6 start.
That downturn, coupled with Tua Tagovailoa's struggles, led to Miami moving on from head coach Mike McDaniel despite going a reasonable 8-9 against the spread and being one of just eight teams to win outright as an underdog of 8+ points (that 30-13 win over the Bills in Week 10 was likely the season's high point). Expect a lot of underdog roles for this year's team as well. -- Kevin Pulsifer
Note: Odds by DK Sports
and subject to change.
2026 outlook: Rebuild leaves few chances for W's
The Dolphins enter 2026 as a franchise starting over, making them one of the strongest candidates to finish near the bottom of the NFL standings. Miami cleaned house after last season, replacing both its head coach and general manager while moving on from franchise cornerstones Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. New head coach Jeff Hafley inherits a roster short on proven playmakers and long on developmental projects, making immediate success unlikely.
From a betting perspective, the Dolphins profile as an interesting team. They are likely to be an underdog in every game they play in 2026. Maybe they can be a frisky team against the spread since they'll likely be getting a LOT of points, but I wouldn't expect more than a couple moneyline upsets. The under on their season win total is an attractive wager. -- Tyler Fulghum
Best bet: Fewest wins in NFL (+350)
Miami enters 2026 in full rebuild mode after overhauling its coaching staff, front office and much of its core roster. With an inexperienced quarterback, limited offensive firepower and an unproven defensive-minded head coach, the Dolphins own one of the league's lowest projected win totals. There schedule is not the hardest on paper, but their roster certainly looks like the least talented on paper. The organization may actually be best served punting on this season while trying to load up assets for what is expected to be a very good 2027 draft class, making +350 to lead the NFL in losses appealing. -- Fulghum
