The NFL unveiled the 2016 regular season schedule for the Miami Dolphins on Thursday evening.
Miami will open the season with a rare game in Seattle against the Seahawks. This will be a tough test for a new-look Miami squad in a hostile environment. Seattle is known for its noisy crowd and suffocating defense. One thing that could work in Miami's favor however is that Seattle is only 3-3 in its last six season openers.
In week two, the Dolphins will stay on the road for a game against the New England Patriots. It will be yet another tough early test for Miami. Last season, the Patriots put a quick stop to momentum that was built by interim head coach Dan Campbell. In that game, the Patriots had no trouble dominating a Dolphins team that had looked like a contender under their new leader.
Miami's first two weeks coming on the road is no coincidence, the team requested this due to construction at its stadium. Having an extra two weeks can only help the team should there be any late issues or delays. Miami's home opener will finally come in the third week of the season against the Cleveland Browns.
Right after that, it will be back on the road for Miami as it travels to Cincinnati for a game with the Bengals on Sept. 29.
The Dolphins will finally get to settle in at home in Week Five when they host the Tenneesse Titans. This will be the first of four straight home games for Miami with two coming against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Buffalo Bills.
After those run of home games, Miami will take its bye week in the eighth week of the season. The Dolphins will return from their vacation with yet another game as they host the New York Jets on Nov. 6.
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The Dolphins will head back on the road after that string of games for a two-game trip to the left side of the country. Miami will visit the San Diego Charges and the Los Angeles Rams on Nov. 13 and 20, respectively.
After a Week 12 game at home against the San Francisco 49ers, the Dolphins will travel to Baltimore on Dec. 4. That game will be followed by a home game against the Arizona Cardinals on Dec. 11.
The final three games of the year will include Miami visiting the New York Jets on Dec. 17 and Buffalo Bills on Dec. 24. These two contests could involve some wintry weather and concerns for Miami.
The last game of the season will come at home against the Patriots on Jan. 1.
