Sweet Science Sports (S³) · NFL Season Preview
2026 Miami Dolphins
Season Preview
"The Great Reset in South Beach"
2025 Season Review
Offensive Rankings
Defensive Rankings
2025 Statistical Leaders
Passing
Rushing
Receiving
Tackle Leaders
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2026 Offseason: Franchise Reset
Miami chose one of the boldest rebuilds in recent NFL history.
Major Departures
Rather than trying to stay competitive with an aging core, Miami elected to reset the roster around youth, draft capital, and financial flexibility.
New Leadership
Head Coach
Jeff Hafley
The organization is looking for a tougher, more physical identity built through player development instead of relying on star power.
2026 NFL Draft
Miami entered the draft with an NFL-high 13 selections.
S³ Draft Philosophy
- • Build the offensive line.
- • Add speed and depth on defense.
- • Replenish the secondary.
- • Develop young playmakers instead of buying veterans.
Free Agency
Instead of pursuing expensive superstars, Miami targeted athletic players with upside who fit the rebuild timeline.
Offensive Identity
Everything now revolves around De'Von Achane.
After a 1,350-yard rushing season, Miami rewarded him with a long-term extension and will likely lean on him while Malik Willis settles into the starting quarterback role.
- →More run-oriented
- →More play-action
- →More quarterback movement
- →Less dependent on explosive deep passing
Defensive Identity
Jeff Hafley has traditionally emphasized:
- →Aggressive secondary play
- →Multiple fronts
- →Creating pressure without constant blitzing
- →Team speed
With a young defense, expect growing pains early but higher long-term upside.
S³ Strengths
S³ Weaknesses
S³ X-Factors
S³ Season Outlook
This is not a win-now team. This is Year 1 of a complete rebuild.
The Dolphins sacrificed short-term expectations for long-term roster construction. Success in 2026 won't be measured solely by wins and losses, but by the development of Malik Willis, the growth of the rookie class, and whether Jeff Hafley establishes a sustainable culture.
S³ Theme
"The Great Reset." Miami tore down its previous foundation and is betting that youth, development, and patience will produce a stronger contender over the next several seasons.
S³ Report · NFL
Miami Dolphins
2026 Season Schedule
Preseason
Regular Season
S³ Toughest Stretch
Weeks 2–4
at Ravens
Bills
at Bengals
Weeks 14–15
at Chiefs
at Jets
Prime-Time Games · 1 Total
Just one prime-time appearance reflects the rebuild — the national spotlight will return as the young core develops.
Rivalry Games
Buffalo Bills
Week 3 — Home
Week 11 — Away (TNF)
New England Patriots
Week 6 — Away
Week 13 — Home
Week 18 — Away
New York Jets
Week 1 — Home
Week 15 — Away
S³ Schedule Notes
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The Dolphins open at home against the Jets — Jeff Hafley's first game as head coach.
- —
A tough early stretch in Weeks 2–4 features the Ravens, Bills, and Bengals.
- —
The bye falls in Week 8, offering a breather during the rebuild.
- —
Only one prime-time game — a Thursday night trip to Buffalo in Week 11.
- —
The Dolphins close with three of four on the road, including a season finale in New England.
- —
Six home games against non-division opponents provide development opportunities for the young roster.
A development-focused schedule — just one prime-time game, a tough early-season test, and a road-heavy finish that will reveal how fast Hafley's young roster can grow.
© 2026 Sweet Science Sports (S³). All Rights Reserved.
The Sweet Science Sports S³BR Football System — including O/R²T, D/R²T, ORt₹, DRt₹, Offensive Standards (OS), Defensive Standards (DS), Responsibility Ratings, S³ Performance Standards, terminology, symbols, notation, scoring methodology, weighting systems, proprietary formulas, algorithms, calculations, evaluation framework, visual presentation, and written documentation — are the original intellectual property of Randy Woodall and Sweet Science Sports (S³).
No portion of this system may be reproduced, reverse-engineered, modified, distributed, published, or used commercially without prior written permission.
Version: S³BR Football System v1.0 • Created: July 2026 • Author: Randy Woodall • Organization: Sweet Science Sports (S³)