Miami Dolphins vs Las Vegas Raiders
The Miami Dolphins travel to Allegiant Stadium to face the Las Vegas Raiders in a Week 1 matchup featuring two teams beginning new eras under rookie head coaches.
Miami enters the season with Malik Willis as its new starting quarterback, while Las Vegas has chosen veteran Kirk Cousins to start over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders |
| Week | Week 1 — 2026 NFL Regular Season |
| Date | Sunday, September 13, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 4:25 PM ET |
| India Time | Monday, September 14 — 1:55 AM IST |
| Venue | Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Home Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Away Team | Miami Dolphins |
| TV | FOX |
| Division | AFC |
| Status | Scheduled |
The official NFL schedule lists Miami at Las Vegas at 4:25 PM ET on FOX.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins enter 2026 in the middle of a major organizational reset.
Miami moved on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and enters the season with Malik Willis as QB1. The team also has a new head coach in Jeff Hafley.
This makes Week 1 the beginning of a very different Dolphins era.
Key Dolphins Players
Malik Willis — Quarterback
Willis takes over as Miami’s starting quarterback following Tagovailoa’s departure.
His biggest advantage is his athleticism. Willis can threaten defenses with his legs while also creating plays outside the pocket.
Miami’s offensive system will be closely watched because this is a significant change from the timing-and-rhythm passing game previously built around Tagovailoa.
De’Von Achane — Running Back
Achane is arguably Miami’s biggest offensive weapon.
He produced a career-best 1,350 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns in 2025, while also providing significant value as a receiver.
His speed could be particularly important against Las Vegas.
Jordyn Brooks — Linebacker
Brooks enters the matchup as a major defensive centerpiece.
He was a first-team All-Pro in 2025 and gives Miami an experienced, physical presence in the middle of the defense.
Kadyn Proctor — Offensive Guard
Rookie offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor is expected to make his NFL debut as Miami’s starting left guard.
His performance will be important because Miami needs to establish a stronger offensive line around Willis.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders also begin a new era.
Klint Kubiak takes over as head coach, while veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has been selected as the Week 1 starter.
Las Vegas also owns the No. 1 overall pick from the 2026 NFL Draft, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, creating an intriguing long-term quarterback situation.
Key Raiders Players
Kirk Cousins — Quarterback
Cousins has won the Week 1 starting job.
The veteran quarterback brings extensive NFL experience and has passed for more than 44,700 yards and 298 touchdowns during his career.
Kubiak selected Cousins because of his consistency and offseason performance.
Fernando Mendoza — Quarterback
Mendoza was selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft and won the Heisman Trophy before entering the league.
He will begin the season behind Cousins, but his development will be one of the biggest Raiders storylines throughout 2026.
Ashton Jeanty — Running Back
Jeanty is one of the biggest questions entering Week 1.
He suffered an ankle injury during an indoor practice on August 23, but Raiders GM John Spytek has indicated that his recovery is progressing faster than initially expected.
Jeanty’s availability could significantly change the Raiders’ offensive approach.
Brock Bowers — Tight End
Bowers is one of the Raiders’ most important offensive weapons and gives Cousins a dynamic option in the middle of the field.
Miami’s linebackers and safeties will need to account for him on virtually every passing down.
Maxx Crosby — Defensive End
Crosby remains a foundational piece of the Raiders defense.
His pass-rushing ability will be particularly important against Malik Willis because disrupting Miami’s new quarterback could force the Dolphins into predictable passing situations.
2025 Season Context
The Raiders scored only 241 points in 2025 — the fewest in the NFL, making offensive improvement one of the team’s biggest priorities entering 2026.
Miami also enters a rebuilding/retooling phase, with major changes at quarterback, coaching and other parts of the roster.
That makes this matchup difficult to evaluate purely from previous-season records.
New Head Coaches
This game is also a battle between two first-year NFL head coaches.
Jeff Hafley — Miami Dolphins
Hafley takes over the Dolphins and will attempt to build a more physical, disciplined team.
His defensive background could be especially valuable as Miami attempts to improve its defensive identity.
Klint Kubiak — Las Vegas Raiders
Kubiak arrives in Las Vegas after serving on the coaching staff of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
His offensive philosophy is expected to emphasize the running game, formations, motion and play-action.
That approach could help take pressure off Cousins.
Key Matchups
De’Von Achane vs Raiders Run Defense
This may be the biggest matchup for Miami.
Achane has the speed to turn small openings into huge gains.
Las Vegas must prevent him from reaching the second level.
Kirk Cousins vs Dolphins Defense
Cousins brings experience, but Miami will try to make him uncomfortable with pressure and disguised coverage.
If the Dolphins can force third-and-long situations, their defense could dictate the game.
Malik Willis vs Raiders Pass Rush
Willis’ mobility makes him dangerous, but Las Vegas will attempt to keep him inside the pocket.
The Raiders cannot allow Willis to consistently turn broken plays into explosive runs.
Brock Bowers vs Miami Linebackers
Bowers could be Cousins’ most important security blanket.
Miami needs to limit his yards after the catch and prevent easy completions on third down.
Ashton Jeanty vs Jordyn Brooks
If Jeanty is cleared to play, this becomes an intriguing battle between one of the league’s most promising young running backs and Miami’s All-Pro linebacker.
Major Storylines
1. Malik Willis Begins His Dolphins Era
This is the biggest Miami storyline.
Willis has a major opportunity to establish himself as a legitimate NFL starter.
2. Kirk Cousins vs No. 1 Pick Fernando Mendoza
Cousins gets the Week 1 job, but everyone will be watching Mendoza.
If Cousins struggles, questions about when the rookie should play will grow quickly.
3. Can Ashton Jeanty Play?
Jeanty’s ankle injury has dominated the Raiders’ Week 1 preparation.
His availability could materially change the Raiders’ offensive game plan.
4. Two New Head Coaches
Both teams are starting over with rookie head coaches.
That makes this game particularly important as an early test of their systems.
5. Can Las Vegas Fix Its Offense?
The Raiders scored only 241 points last season.
Improving that production will be one of Kubiak’s biggest challenges.
Injury & Availability Watch
Miami Dolphins
- Will Kacmarek — Questionable
- Miami’s offensive line and secondary remain areas to monitor.
- Rookie Kadyn Proctor is expected to start at left guard.
Las Vegas Raiders
- Ashton Jeanty — Questionable, ankle
- Keyron Crawford — Out, Achilles
- Carter Runyon — Out
Jeanty’s status is the most important Week 1 availability question.
Final inactive lists can change shortly before kickoff.
Betting Outlook
The current market makes Las Vegas a modest home favorite.
Current Market Snapshot
| Market | Approximate Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Raiders -3.5 |
| Dolphins | +3.5 |
| Moneyline | Dolphins around +164 |
| Raiders Moneyline | Around -198 |
| Total | Around 40.5 |
| Favorite | Las Vegas |
A current market snapshot lists Raiders -3.5 with an approximately 40.5-point total. Another current analysis favors Miami +3.5 and the Under 40.5.
These numbers are a market snapshot and can move before kickoff.
Betting Interpretation
This is expected to be a relatively low-scoring game.
Both teams have significant questions at quarterback and are entering the season with new coaching staffs.
Potential market angles
Raiders -3.5: Home-field advantage plus Cousins’ experience.
Dolphins +3.5: Miami has explosive talent, especially Achane, and could keep the game close.
Under 40.5: Both offenses have significant transition questions.
These are analytical observations, not guarantees or financial advice.
Our Prediction
Miami Dolphins 21 — Las Vegas Raiders 20
Estimated Win Probability
| Team | Estimated Chance |
|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins | 55% |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 45% |
Why Miami?
The Dolphins get a narrow edge because of their explosive offensive weapons.
De’Von Achane can change the game with a handful of touches, while Miami’s defense has the personnel to pressure Cousins.
The biggest variable is Willis.
If Willis protects the football and consistently creates first downs, Miami has a realistic chance to control the game.
What Miami Must Do to Win
- Get De’Von Achane involved early
- Protect Malik Willis
- Avoid turnovers
- Pressure Kirk Cousins
- Contain Brock Bowers
- Win the rushing battle
- Create explosive plays
What Las Vegas Must Do to Win
- Establish the running game
- Protect Kirk Cousins
- Get Brock Bowers involved
- Pressure Malik Willis
- Contain De’Von Achane
- Avoid costly penalties
- Finish drives with touchdowns
Players to Watch
Miami Dolphins
- Malik Willis
- De’Von Achane
- Jordyn Brooks
- Jaylen Waddle
- Kadyn Proctor
- Miami defensive secondary
Las Vegas Raiders
- Kirk Cousins
- Brock Bowers
- Ashton Jeanty
- Maxx Crosby
- Fernando Mendoza
- Raiders offensive line
Head-to-Head History
Miami and Las Vegas have a long history dating back to the Raiders’ years in Oakland.
The previous matchup at Allegiant Stadium was particularly memorable: the Raiders defeated the Dolphins 34-19 in 2024.
The 2026 game gives Miami an opportunity to reverse that result on the same field.
How to Watch
United States
TV: FOX
Kickoff: 4:25 PM ET
Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
The official Raiders schedule confirms the Week 1 game at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 13, with FOX carrying the matchup.
India
Kickoff: Approximately 1:55 AM IST on Monday, September 14
For viewers in India, the game will take place during the early hours of Monday.
International
International NFL viewing availability varies by country and broadcaster.
Why Watch Dolphins vs Raiders?
This game has several compelling storylines:
- Malik Willis’ first game as Miami’s QB1
- Kirk Cousins’ Raiders debut
- Fernando Mendoza waiting behind the veteran
- Ashton Jeanty’s potential return
- De’Von Achane’s explosive running ability
- Brock Bowers against Miami’s defense
- Two rookie head coaches
- Two organizations undergoing major changes
The central question is:
Which new-look team can establish its identity first?
Miami has more explosive offensive talent, while Las Vegas has the home-field advantage and a veteran quarterback.
Game Prediction Summary
| Category | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Winner | Miami Dolphins |
| Projected Score | Dolphins 21, Raiders 20 |
| Dolphins Win Probability | 55% |
| Raiders Win Probability | 45% |
| Expected Game Type | Close / Low Scoring |
| Key Player | De’Von Achane |
| Potential X-Factor | Ashton Jeanty’s availability |
| Betting Line | Raiders -3.5 |
| Total | Around 40.5 |
| Prediction Lean | Dolphins +3.5 / |