HERE WE GO..

The 2026 opener brings together two teams starting new chapters. Miami arrives after a major overhaul of its roster, coaching staff and front office, while Las Vegas begins an offensive reset at home. With both sides starting 0–0 execution—not reputation—should decide a matchup that could stay close deep into the fourth quarter.

Five key points to watch

1. Malik Willis against the Raiders’ pass rush

Miami’s new starting quarterback brings mobility and a strong arm, but Week 1 will test his timing and decision-making in a hostile stadium. Maxx Crosby is the obvious danger off the edge, and the Dolphins must keep the down-and-distance manageable with quick throws, movement passes and a credible run threat. If Willis avoids negative plays and uses his legs selectively, Miami can prevent Las Vegas from dictating the game.

2. De’Von Achane versus a rebuilt Raiders front

Achane is Miami’s most proven explosive weapon and the obvious centrepiece of its revamped attack while the rookie receivers get acclimatised to the NFL. There should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that he is a going to be a work horse this season, let’s hope his new contract won’t make him less hungry. If the re-worked O-line can clear the way he could be in for a career year. We got a glimpse of the starting unit back in week one of the pre-season and the signs looked good, let’s pray they stay healthy and become dominant. With Achane, the Raiders need disciplined edges and secure tackling otherwise it could end up being a long day for them.

3. Miami’s rookie receivers in their first real test

Chris Bell and Caleb Douglas have been handed starting jobs alongside Malik Washington, giving the Dolphins a young and largely untested receiving group. Is it a surprise they are both starting, more so with Bell considering he had surgery in December on a grade 3 ACL tear. Their ability to beat press coverage, separate on third down and stay connected with Willis will shape Miami’s passing ceiling. Las Vegas will challenge them physically and force the newcomers to win contested situations. The hope is they get acquainted quickly but there will be bumps along the road.

4. Kirk Cousins, Ashton Jeanty and the speed on the perimeter

Kirk Cousins has the starting job while rookie Fernando Mendoza learns from the sidelines. It would have been better to face Mondoza as Cousins is a seasoned veteran who can still sling it given the opportunity, and the Dolphins untested secondary could be the perfect opening day for him. The only issue being he is going to have to do it without the services of Brock Bowers as the tight end has been ruled out. Michael Mayer is a useful back up, but he isn’t Bowers. The Raiders’ receiving room is less than inspiring, they have speed on the edges which will need to be respected but none of them can take over a game. It could be that they lean heavily on their own running back, Ashton Jeanty had an up and down rookie season, but he clearly has talent and the new coaching staff may have gone all in to unleash it due to what they have at receiver. The Miami front could be in for a big dose of the second year back. 

5. The Dolphins rebuild defense

The Dolphin’s secondary is the biggest question mark going into this season, they are an unknown quantity that may prove to be the teams undoing, but if anybody can turn them into an effective unit it has to be Jeff Hafley who’s speciality is coaching secondaries. The big bodies up front are unchanged from last season, the only problem being Kenneth Grant is on IR at the moment so Zeek Biggers will see more playing time, not that it is a problem as he was holding his own and making plays when called on in 2026. All eyes will be on Jacob Rodriguez, the highly decorated college linebacker who has been given the play calling duties to start the season. This speaks volumes of what the coaching staff feels he is capable of. Rodriguez is treading the same path as another Dolphin great as Zack Thomas made veteran Jack Del Rio expendable and was handed the play calling duties on week one of his rookie season. If number 10 can be anywhere near as good as number 54 it will give the defense something to build around for years to come.

Openers often turn on operational details: protection calls, penalties, kick coverage and ball security while everybody gets back into the flow of things, preparation will be key. Both teams are integrating significant changes, so the side that settles fastest should gain an important edge.