The 2026 NFL season kicks off with the Miami Dolphins taking on the Las Vegas Raiders. This Week 1 game is set at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game will be broadcasted on FOX and starts at 4:25 PM.
The Dolphins are led by head coach Jeff Hafley. On the other side, Klint Kubiak is at the helm for the Raiders. The betting odds give the Raiders an edge, with a moneyline of -195 compared to the Dolphins’ +162. The spread is set at 3.5 points, favoring the Raiders.
Dolphins Preview
The Miami Dolphins had a challenging preseason, losing all three games. They fell to the Atlanta Falcons 17-12, with their offense struggling to gain first downs and passing yards. The Dolphins also faced the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, scoring only 3 and 7 points respectively in those games.
The Dolphins’ offense ranked near the bottom last regular season in several categories. They were 24th in total score and 26th in offensive yards. Their rushing game was a bit stronger, ranked 12th in the league.
Injuries could impact the Dolphins’ performance with several players out or questionable. Key players like Cole Turner and Jamaree Salyer are out for the season. Additionally, Ronnie Harrison Jr. and Ollie Gordon II are questionable for Week 1, which may impact their depth on both sides of the ball.
Raiders Preview
The Las Vegas Raiders struggled offensively in the 2025 season, scoring only 241 points, which ranked them 31st in the league. Their passing game showed some strength, with 2851 passing yards, placing them 28th. However, their rushing game lagged with 1317 yards, ranking 31st.
In the recent preseason, the Raiders showed mixed results. They won against the Houston Texans 22-20 but lost to both the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals. Aidan O’Connell, a promising QB, contributed 166 passing yards in the win over the Texans.
Injuries could impact the team’s performance this season. Key players like Justin Shorter and Chris Collier are out for the season. Ashton Jeanty is also questionable for Week 1 with an ankle injury, which could affect the team’s rushing depth.
Betting Prediction
The Dolphins have struggled on offense, ranking 22nd in points per game last season. They scored an average of 20.4 points per game. Their ability to move the ball was limited, with their offensive yards per game ranking 25th.
The Raiders also had offensive struggles, ranking 29th in scoring last season. They managed only 14.2 points per game. Their total offensive yards per game were last in the league.
Both teams have defenses that allow points, with the Dolphins allowing 24.9 points per game and the Raiders 25.4 points per game. However, the offensive inefficiencies on both sides suggest the total score might stay low. Given these factors, the under looks like a reasonable choice.
- Pick: Under 40.5 (-110)
