Miami Dolphins 2025 Schedule: Opponents Set for Next Semester
As we step into the new year, football fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting the release of the 2025 NFL season schedule. For the Miami Dolphins, one of the most exciting franchises in the NFL, the upcoming season promises a mix of high-stakes matchups, divisional rivalries, and challenges that could shape their journey to the playoffs. The Dolphins have consistently shown promise under the leadership of head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, and the 2025 schedule could be another defining year for the franchise.
2025 NFL Schedule Format
The NFL season is made up of 17 regular-season games, divided into three primary sections: divisional games, non-divisional conference games, and inter-conference games. The Dolphins will face each of their AFC East rivals (Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, and New York Jets) twice, once at home and once on the road. The remaining 13 games will be filled with matchups against teams from the other AFC divisions and NFC teams, based on the league’s rotation.
Although exact dates and times for the games are still to be determined, the Dolphins’ opponents for the 2025 season have already been confirmed. Below is a look at the teams they will be facing:
AFC East Opponents
Buffalo Bills
The Miami Dolphins’ rivalry with the Buffalo Bills has been one of the most exciting in the NFL in recent years. Both teams have built competitive rosters, and their games have often been marked by high-intensity football. The Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, are one of the top contenders in the AFC East. A division championship race between the Dolphins and the Bills is always a must-watch event, and the 2025 season is expected to continue this trend. Miami will be aiming to improve their performance against Buffalo, having split their previous two seasons’ matchups in recent years.
New England Patriots
The Dolphins’ rivalry with the New England Patriots has been heavily influenced by the historic dominance of the Patriots during the Tom Brady era. However, with Brady’s departure, the balance of power in the AFC East has shifted. While the Patriots are rebuilding under head coach Bill Belichick, they still remain a formidable force, and every game against New England is a significant test. The Dolphins will look to maintain their competitive edge against the Patriots, especially with their rising star Tua Tagovailoa at quarterback.
New York Jets
The New York Jets have long been one of the Dolphins’ most bitter rivals in the AFC East. With the addition of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2024, the Jets have strengthened their offense and look poised to make a run at the division title. Miami’s defense will have to find ways to slow down the potent Jets attack, while the Dolphins’ offense will need to put up big numbers against a talented Jets defense. The rivalry between these two teams promises to add more drama to the 2025 season.
Non-Divisional AFC Opponents
Kansas City Chiefs
One of the biggest tests for Miami in 2025 will be against the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are always a top contender for the AFC title. This will be a chance for the Dolphins to prove themselves against one of the league’s most elite teams. Miami will need to bring their best offensive and defensive strategies to Kansas City, where Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have made a habit of dominating.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens, under head coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson, are consistently one of the top teams in the AFC. The dynamic playmaking ability of Jackson presents a unique challenge for Miami’s defense. In 2025, both teams will look to outplay each other in what could be a critical matchup for playoff positioning. This game could be pivotal for both teams in terms of seeding and playoff tiebreakers.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have made great strides in recent seasons, with the powerful duo of quarterback Deshaun Watson and running back Nick Chubb leading their offense. Cleveland’s defense has also been one of the league’s strongest units, making them a tough opponent for Miami. This matchup will be a test of the Dolphins’ ability to score against a solid defensive unit and to withstand Cleveland’s offensive firepower.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans, led by running back Derrick Henry, are another AFC team the Dolphins will face in 2025. Known for their smash-mouth style of play and physicality, the Titans will challenge the Dolphins to match their intensity. Miami will need to stop Henry and neutralize Tennessee’s run-heavy offense while being efficient in the passing game.
NFC Opponents
Dallas Cowboys
One of the marquee games of the 2025 season will be when the Dolphins face the Dallas Cowboys. With quarterback Dak Prescott leading an explosive offense, the Cowboys have been perennial contenders in the NFC. This game could be a thrilling matchup, featuring two high-powered offenses. The Dolphins will need to focus on keeping Prescott in check while trying to exploit weaknesses in Dallas’ defense.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles, fresh off a Super Bowl appearance in 2024, will undoubtedly be one of the toughest teams the Dolphins face in 2025. With a strong roster on both sides of the ball, including quarterback Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia poses a formidable challenge. Miami’s offense will need to be sharp and disciplined against the Eagles’ defensive front, while their defense must find a way to stop Hurts’ dynamic playmaking.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings, led by quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson, will present another exciting challenge. The Vikings’ offense is one of the most potent in the NFC, and this game will give the Dolphins’ defense a chance to prove its ability to handle high-flying offenses. Expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair when these two teams meet.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears, a young team with an emerging quarterback in Justin Fields, will also be on the Dolphins’ schedule in 2025. Chicago’s rebuilding process will continue, but Fields’ ability to make plays with his arm and legs presents an interesting test for Miami’s defense. This game could offer the Dolphins a chance to get a crucial win against an up-and-coming team in the NFC.
Key Games to Watch in 2025
While the Dolphins will face a variety of opponents in 2025, there are several key matchups that stand out. The games against divisional rivals—particularly Buffalo and New York—will have massive implications for the AFC East title race. Additionally, cross-conference matchups against NFC powerhouses like the Cowboys and Eagles will provide the Dolphins with a chance to make a statement on the national stage.
With Tua Tagovailoa leading the charge and an improved roster, the Dolphins are poised to make a serious run in 2025. The key will be maintaining consistency throughout the season and winning crucial games in a tough division and conference. As the NFL season draws nearer, fans of the Miami Dolphins can only hope that their team is primed for a successful year, with high hopesfor playoff contention and perhaps even a deep postseason run.