The NFL world was buzzing on Wednesday afternoon after the 2025 Miami Dolphins schedule leaked ahead of the official release. While the league will make the full schedule public at 8 pm, multiple reports surfaced by mid-afternoon and fans got an early look at what’s in store for the Dolphins this season.
The leaked schedule looks like a tough but fun year for Miami with prime time games and big rivalries. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dolphins 2025 season.
Opening Day Showdown: Colts on the Road
The Dolphins will open the 2025 season on the road against the Indianapolis Colts on September 7. This is the second straight year Miami will face the Colts early in the season, though last year didn’t go their way— a 16-10 loss in Week 7.
Despite that loss, the Dolphins have been good on opening day recently, winning their last four. Last year they beat another AFC South team, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Week 1. Can they keep the streak alive against the Colts?
Prime-Time Spotlight: Dolphins Shine Early and Late
One of the most exciting aspects of the leaked schedule is Miami’s prime-time slate. The Dolphins are set to appear in five prime-time games, showcasing their growing status as one of the NFL’s must-watch teams.
Week 3: Thursday Night Football Against Buffalo
The Dolphins’ first prime-time game comes in Week 3 when they travel to face the Buffalo Bills. This marks the second straight season these AFC East rivals will meet on Thursday Night Football. Last year’s early-season matchup was a hard-fought battle, and fans can expect more fireworks this time around.
Week 4: Monday Night Football vs. Jets
Just days later, Miami will host the New York Jets on Monday Night Football in Week 4. This back-to-back prime-time stretch is sure to test the Dolphins’ endurance, but it also gives them a chance to make a statement early in the season.
Week 9: Another TNF Clash with Baltimore
In Week 9, the Dolphins will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Hard Rock Stadium for another Thursday Night Football showdown. Lamar Jackson vs. Tua Tagovailoa is always a marquee matchup, and this game could have significant playoff implications.
Week 15: Monday Night Football at Pittsburgh
Miami’s second Monday Night Football appearance comes in Week 15 when they travel to take on the Steelers. Pittsburgh has historically been a tough place to play, so this will be a true test of Miami’s resilience late in the season.
Week 16: Sunday Night Football vs. Cincinnati
To cap off their prime-time schedule, the Dolphins will host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16. Joe Burrow vs. Tua Tagovailoa is a rematch of the 2020 draft’s top quarterback trio, and this game could carry major playoff seeding implications.
International Adventure: Dolphins Head to Madrid
One of the most intriguing storylines of the 2025 season is Miami’s international game. In Week 11, the Dolphins will face the Washington Commanders in Madrid, Spain. This marks the franchise’s first-ever regular-season game outside the United States, and it’s sure to be a memorable experience for players and fans alike.
Key Matchups and Playoff Rematches
The Dolphins’ schedule includes six teams that made the playoffs in 2024: Buffalo, Los Angeles (Chargers), Washington, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, and Baltimore. Interestingly, Miami will only face two of these teams—Buffalo and the Chargers—before Week 8. This gives them a chance to build momentum early before the schedule toughens later in the year.
Rivalries Renewed: Chargers and Bengals
Tua Tagovailoa’s rivalry with Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow will take center stage in 2025. The Dolphins will host the Chargers in Week 6, rekindling the matchup between the top two quarterbacks from the 2020 draft. Miami will also face the Bengals in Week 16, adding another layer of drama to the season.
Tagovailoa holds a 2-1 career record against the Chargers and a 1-1 mark against the Bengals. These games will be crucial for Miami as they look to solidify their standing in the AFC.
Bye Week Timing
The Dolphins get their bye in Week 12 after a tough stretch of games against the Bills, Jets and Steelers. This timing should give them a chance to rest up for the final push.
Closing Stretch: A Tough Road Ahead
The last month of the season will be big for the Dolphins. They’ve got the Bengals, Bucs and Patriots in their last three games, two of which are at home. How they do in this stretch will determine if they make the playoffs or not again.