What will the Miami Dolphins look like in their first game action under the new regime? Jeff Hafley will show what changes he brings as coach when his Dolphins take on the Washington Commanders in their NFL preseason opener.
How the new-look Dolphins play in the preseason likely won't change projections for what's expected to be a season scant of wins. But fans are desperate for any and all signs that the future is bright in South Florida. The biggest indicator will be the play of quarterback Malik Willis, who spent his first four years as a backup in Tennessee and Green Bay before replacing Tua Tagovailoa in Miami on a $67.5 million contract.
Willis will heavily rely on star running back De'Von Achane this season, but probably not in the preseason. Instead he'll work on building his connections with a slew of new receivers. Malik Washington is joined by veterans Jalen Tolbert and Tutu Atwell, but the most attention will go to third-round draft pick Caleb Douglas, who has impressed throughout training camp. Whether the offensive line holds up — and whether first-round pick Kadyn Proctor is the stud general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan believes he is — will determine how hopeful Dolphins fans can be going forward.
Watch Dolphins vs Commanders live
On the other end of the field, Hafley's influence on what was a middling defense also goes under scrutiny. Several rookies are in line to make a big impact, especially first-round cornerback Chris Johnson, third-round linebacker Jacob Rodriguez and fourth-round edge rusher Trey Moore. They'll all get their first taste of NFL action tonight; whether that's against Washington's star QB Jayden Daniels is unclear.
Here's what to know about today's game, including start time and how to watch on TV and streaming.
What TV channel is Dolphins vs Commanders on today?
- TV channel: WFOR (CBS Channel 4 in Miami) | WPTV (NBC Channel 5 in West Palm Beach)
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
The Dolphins and Commanders play Friday, Aug. 14, in Week 1 of the 2026 NFL preseason. It's expected Malik Willis will start, and coach Jeff Hafley said everyone should be ready to play. That would seem to include running back De'Von Achane.
Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which offers a free trial for new subscribers.
Dolphins vs Commanders start time
- Date: Friday, Aug. 14
- Time: 7 p.m. ET
Kickoff for Dolphins vs. Commanders is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
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Dolphins preseason schedule 2026
All times Eastern.
- Friday, Aug. 14: at Washington | 7 p.m. | CBS 4 Miami (WPTV in West Palm Beach) | Fubo (free trial)
- Saturday, Aug. 22: vs. NY Giants | 4 p.m. | NFL Network, CBS 4 Miami (WPTV in West Palm Beach)
- Friday, Aug. 28: vs. Atlanta | 7 p.m. | CBS 4 Miami (WPTV in West Palm Beach)
Dolphins schedule 2026
All times Eastern.
- Week 1: at Las Vegas | 4:25 p.m. Sept. 13 | Fox
- Week 2: at San Francisco | 4:25 p.m. Sept. 20 | Fox
- Week 3: vs. Kansas City | 1 p.m. Sept. 27 | CBS
- Week 4: at Minnesota | 4:05 p.m. Oct. 4 | Fox
- Week 5: vs. Cincinnati | 1 p.m. Oct. 11 | Fox
- Week 6: Bye
- Week 7: at NY Jets | 1 p.m. Oct. 25 | CBS
- Week 8: vs. New England | 4:25 p.m. Nov. 1 | CBS
- Week 9: vs. Detroit | 1 p.m. Nov. 8 | Fox
- Week 10: at Indianapolis | 1 p.m. Nov. 15 | CBS
- Week 11: at Buffalo | 1 p.m. Nov. 22 | Fox
- Week 12: vs. NY Jets | 1 p.m. Nov. 27 | CBS
- Week 13: at Denver | 4:05 p.m. Dec. 6 | Fox
- Week 14: vs. Chicago | 1 p.m. Dec. 13 | CBS
- Week 15: at Green Bay | 1 p.m. Dec. 20 | Fox
- Week 16: vs. LA Chargers | 1 p.m. Dec. 27 | Fox
- Week 17: vs. Buffalo | 1 p.m. Jan. 3 | CBS
- Week 18: at New England | TBD
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: What channel is Dolphins vs Commanders on today? Time, TV schedule