The Miami Dolphins just caught an unexpected break in their brutal 2026 schedule—and it could get even better

The future schedule for the Miami Dolphins suddenly looks a bit different thanks to a blockbuster deal.

Kyle Crabbs — NFL National Writer
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Sep 7, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Dante Trader Jr. (11) attempts to bring down Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the second half of a game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

The Miami Dolphins are facing a surreal gauntlet of teams in 2026. It’s been well documented over the course of the first month of the season. Miami faced four 3-0 teams to start the season.

But now? A break in the schedule. Finally! And not the traditional kind, either. Because the landscape of one of Miami’s future opponents has just dramatically shifted. And it could tilt things in Miami’s favor in a few weeks — especially if the trend continues between now and the 2026 NFL Trade Deadline.

The Miami Dolphins’ incredibly difficult strength of schedule just got a little easier

Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Nov 30, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts guard Quenton Nelson (56) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

When the Miami Dolphins head to Indianapolis to play the Colts in a few weeks, an 8-time Pro Bowl guard will not be suiting up for Indy. Why? Because Quenton Nelson is now a Seattle Seahawk. Reports have the first of potentially several sell-off trades for the Colts in the midst of another lost season officially in — Nelson was swapped for a 2027 3rd-round pick and a 2028 5th-round pick.

Other names expected to be subject to trade talks include RB Jonathan Taylor, and DL DeForest Buckner & Grover Stewart.

If the whole gang gets moved in Indianapolis, it could set the stage for the Dolphins to actually be favored in a football game in 2026! In many ways, these Colts are like the 2025 Miami Dolphins. The GM and head coach entered the year on the hot seat after a statement from ownership — with a flaky quarterback situation lingering and big money tied up at the position. Like Miami, the Colts have floundered. And, like Miami, the general manager did not make it to November. The Nelson move takes it one step further; a top-100 pick acquired via a contract year sell-off. For Miami, it was Jaelan Phillips. For Indy? It’s Quenton Nelson. And probably more, too — which the 2026 Dolphins could end up as the beneficiaries of in a few weeks when they come to town to play the Colts.

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