The Miami Dolphins left Madrid on a winning streak, their first of what’s been a horrendous 2025 season. When they return to Hard Rock Stadium, will they start a push for a longshot playoff spot or begin a descent to major turnover and a high NFL draft pick?
At the very least, coach Mike McDaniel’s position appears to be safe after his Dolphins won 16-13 in overtime over the Washington Commanders in the NFL’s first regular-season game in Spain. The victory came after one of the biggest surprises of the season, a 30-13 rout of the Super Bowl favorite Buffalo Bills and reigning MVP Josh Allen.
Winners of three of their past four games, the Dolphins sit 4-7 as they enter their bye week. The defense has seemingly turned a corner, even if the offense has stayed inconsistent. Fans might be ready to move on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who leads the league with 13 interceptions, but an extra week to rest could prove valuable in salvaging the season. Star running back De’Von Achane could certainly use the break after hurting his back in Madrid.
The Week 12 slate kicks off tonight with the Bills visiting the Houston Texans. Here’s a look at what’s next, including the Dolphins’ playoff chances, their remaining schedule and what to watch for this week in the NFL:
When do the Dolphins play next?
Miami is on a much-needed bye this week as they come back from their overtime win in Madrid on Nov. 16. Their next game is Nov. 30, a home date with the New Orleans Saints.
Can the Dolphins make the playoffs?
It is hypothetically possible, if highly unlikely. If the Dolphins run the table, they’d finish 10-7 and have a 31% chance of grabbing a wild-card spot, according to The Athletic. But as of now, Miami has less than a 1% chance of getting into the seven-team AFC playoff field. Potential tiebreakers don’t help their cause: They lost to the Chargers, one of the three current wild cards, and to the Ravens, one of the teams ahead of them in the race for a spot. They did split the season series with the Bills, another current wild card, and both have a game apiece left with the Patriots and Jets.
The Jaguars currently hold the third and final wild-card position at 6-4, with the Ravens, Texans and Chiefs all ahead of the Dolphins at 5-5. Miami does have the easiest remaining schedule of all those teams except Jacksonville, according to Tankathon, thanks in part to dates with the 2-8 Saints and 2-8 Jets right after their bye week.
NFL schedule for Week 12
All times Eastern:
Dolphins schedule 2025
Here is Miami’s schedule and results. All times Eastern:
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: When do the Miami Dolphins play this week? See their schedule after Week 12 bye
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
