NFL's 2026 season kicks off: Dolphins visit Raiders in new coach-and-QB era for both teams

A fresh start for both franchises

In Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, the Miami Dolphins traveled to Las Vegas to face the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Kickoff was at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT) on FOX. The matchup marked new chapters for both organizations: Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley and Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak were both making their NFL head-coaching debuts, while quarterbacks Malik Willis (Dolphins) and Kirk Cousins (Raiders) were each making their first starts with their new teams.

A blow to the Raiders' defense

As reported by the Miami Dolphins' official site, it emerged midweek that Raiders All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers would miss the game with a knee injury. Bowers posted 1,194 receiving yards as a rookie in 2024, and last season, in just 12 games, added 680 yards and seven touchdowns — only 16 yards behind the team's receiving leader, Tre Tucker.

On the Dolphins' side, attention centered on Willis and a revamped receiving corps featuring third-round rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, plus Pro Bowl running back De'Von Achane, who said Miami's success would depend on team play rather than individual efforts, especially if Las Vegas stacked the box against the run.

The Raiders overhauled their defense in the offseason, adding linebackers Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker, defensive end Kwity Paye, and acquiring nickel back Taron Johnson via trade — after finishing 25th in points allowed (25.4 per game) last season. The unit's leader remains longest-tenured Raider Maxx Crosby, a five-time Pro Bowler with 69.5 sacks over his seven-year career.

Conflicting predictions

Sources disagreed on the favorite: some previews listed the Raiders as heavy favorites, while at least one analysis picked the Dolphins for an upset win, framing Miami as the underdog heading into the season. Fans could also follow the game on radio via the Dolphins Radio Network (WBGG 105.9-FM, WINZ 940-AM, Spanish-language WTZU 94.9-FM, and in Palm Beach County WUUB 106.3-FM and WEFL 760-AM).