In the 2023 NFL regular season, the Miami Dolphins put the league on notice with their break-neck offensive pace and scoring prowess. Miami’s offense led the league in passing yards, finished top 10 in rushing yards, and second in points per game (29.2) But one giant takeaway from the Dolphins’ surge was their record against teams that were over .500, where they only beat one out of six such opponents. Not to mention they lost their grip on the AFC East to the Buffalo Bills on the very last week of the regular season.
With each NFL team receiving their schedules for 2024, the Miami Dolphins will look to pick up where they left off last season. Here are the big matchups that Dolphins fans will be marking their calendars for.
Key Miami Dolphins Games in 2024
BOTH Buffalo Bills Games (Sept. 12 & Nov. 3)
Bringing back the good old days of Dan Marino vs. Jim Kelly, the fight for the division has once again pitted the Miami Dolphins against the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen and company have consistently stood on business against the Fins, winning four of the last five meetings. But with the massive roster changes in Buffalo, Miami ought to take this opportunity to get even with their division rival. This will no doubt be a “prove it” year for Tua Tagovailoa, and a win over his biggest threat will garner him a lot of leverage in the ensuing contract negotiations.
Los Angeles Rams (Nov. 11)
The Rams have started to find their form again in 2023, finishing 10-7 but losing to the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card Round. This time around, they will proceed to the next chapter without their premier nose tackle, Aaron Donald, who announced his retirement earlier this offseason. With both teams looking to get past a first-round exit, the Monday Night game will be a significant road test for Miami, as they look to slow a steadily rejuvenating offense led by Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
Green Bay Packers (Nov. 28)
One has to hand head coach Matt LaFleur his flowers for his work with the Green Bay Packers, coaching the team to a playoff spot with a new signal caller, Jordan Love. They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers on the road, which would have rocked the NFL to its core. With Love coming into his own, head coach Mike McDaniel and company will have to find multiple ways to shut down the emerging core in Lambeau Field. Plus, this will be the game following the traditional Dallas and Detroit games on Thanksgiving this year.
Houston Texans (Dec. 15)
If one wants to know how to rebuild a team the right way, look no further than the Houston Texans. First-year head coach, DeMeco Ryans made waves last year, which resulted in Houston snagging the AFC South pendent. Plus, quarterback C.J. Stroud won “Offensive Rookie of the Year” and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. won “Defensive Rookie of the Year.” Neither Miami nor Houston will be resting on their laurels this coming season, so expect fireworks to go off in mid-December.
San Francisco 49ers (Dec. 22)
The reigning NFC Conference Champions suffered a gut-wrenching overtime loss in last year’s Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kyle Shanahan will have a lot to contemplate as to what’s preventing them from bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Santa Clara, CA. At this point, the race for the playoffs will be red hot approaching Christmas time, and both teams will hopefully be in contention for a spot. With both teams loaded with offensive weapons, this could potentially be the game of the season in the 2024 campaign.
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