Dolphins vs Raiders: The Miami Dolphins battle the Las Vegas Raiders in their 2026 NFL regular season opener at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, September 13, at 4:25 PM Eastern Time on FOX. The contest marks a major quarterback transition on both sidelines as dual-threat playmaker Malik Willis makes his starting debut for Miami under new head coach Jeff Hafley, while veteran Kirk Cousins leads Las Vegas, and former Miami franchise passer Tua Tagovailoa is nowhere to be seen.
Dolphins vs. Raiders Match Today: Why is Tua Tagovailoa not playing in Las Vegas?
Supporters searching for Tua Tagovailoa on the field will not find him wearing Miami colors. The Dolphins’ front office terminated the Tagovailoa era during the spring after five seasons, absorbing over fifty million dollars in dead salary cap money to reset the franchise.
Tagovailoa subsequently joined the Atlanta Falcons as their starting quarterback. Adding to the intrigue, Tagovailoa dominated search trends earlier on Sunday when an oblique strain sustained in Friday practice ruled him out of the Atlanta opener against Pittsburgh.
In his place, Miami signed Malik Willis in free agency, turning their offensive keys over to an athletic creator capable of extending plays for star perimeter wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
How To Stream Dolphins At Raiders Live?
United States viewers can catch the regional telecast on FOX Sports or stream via FuboTV, YouTube TV, and the NFL Plus app on mobile. Fans in India and international markets can access the complete live broadcast through NFL Game Pass on DAZN, with kickoff slated for 1:55 AM Indian Standard Time on Monday.
Trench Warfare And Betting Against The Spread
Las Vegas enters as two-point home favorites, with the game total set at 43. The entire matchup hinges on edge rusher Maxx Crosby attacking Miami’s vulnerable offensive tackles. Unlike Tagovailoa’s lightning-quick release, Cousins is a stationary pocket passer who struggles when edge rushers compress his throwing platform.
If Crosby wrecks early downs, Miami will face obvious passing downs where defensive coordinator Patrick Graham can bracket Hill with two deep safeties.
On the ground, Miami needs running back DeVon Achane to stretch the perimeter on outside zone runs to take heat off Cousins. Meanwhile, the Raiders will pound running back Zamir White between the tackles to bleed the clock and keep Miami’s high-powered receivers off the field. Back the home team to cover the short spread in a gritty battle.
Prediction: Las Vegas Raiders 23, Miami Dolphins 17
