The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Dolphins had promise but couldn’t get it together in 2025. The team started off ice-cold, but later rallied a bit. In the end, it wasn’t good enough. The team finished 7-10, well out of the playoffs. That spelled the end for Mike McDaniel as Head Coach and sweeping changes this off-season. What difference will it make in 2026? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

With McDaniel out, the Dolphins brought in Jeff Hafley to lead the team as Head Coach. He comes in with experience in college and as the Defensive Coordinator for the Packers. With Hafley’s arrival, the team has made some big changes. Quarterback Tua Tagovialoa was released, and is now with the Falcons. The Dolphins didn’t bring back veteran receiver Tyreek Hill or tight end Darren Waller, and traded receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos. The team also parted ways with edge Bradley Chubb, receiver Nick Westbrook, and quarterback Zach Wilson.

The team started a new era this off-season, signing veteran Malik Willis to take over as quarterback. He started three games the past two years with the Packers, where Hafley was coordinator, looking solid. But he doesn’t have a ton of weapons to work with. The team brought in veteran receivers Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell, but recently traded Atwell back to the Rams. They also drafted Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas in later rounds. The Dolphins spent First Round picks on tackle Kaydn Proctor and cornerback Chris Johnson, adding linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in the Second Round.

Fantasy Impact

It’s hard to bet on the Dolphins’ passing game this season. Willis has some upside as a rusher and is going later in drafts. But he could break into the QB2 range. It could also be more disastrous. The one player from the Dolphins you do want in fantast is running back De’Von Achane, who finished as RB5 last season. He should eat in this offense.

In the passing game, it’s hard to get a feel for who will step up. Bell has been injured some in camp but was viewed as the rookie receiver with more upside. But Douglas has been playing a lot of snaps, along with Tolbert and returning receiver Malik Washington, a holdover from last year. I guess if pressed I like Tolbert the best, but only as a deep league flex. I’m not bullish on Greg Dulcich at tight end, either. I do like the recent addition of Justin Joly as a deep league stash in dynasty.

Prediction

The Dolphins are in a rebuild. I had hoped Willis would get a nice chance in his next spot, but this isn’t an ideal situation. I think the Dolphins will be bad, earning a top draft pick and, likely, taking a new franchise quarterback.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.