The Miami Dolphins opened the 2026 season with a 27-13 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, and former quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick believes the franchise’s rebuilt roster and difficult schedule could leave it facing an extreme outcome: an 0-17 record.
What changed for the franchise
Fitzpatrick, now an NFL analyst, renewed his preseason warning after Miami’s Week 1 defeat. He pointed to more than $180 million in dead-cap charges as a major obstacle for a roster that has moved on from several high-priced players.
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, edge rusher Bradley Chubb, cornerback Jalen Ramsey and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick remain on the club’s financial books despite no longer being on the active roster. Fitzpatrick said those commitments reflect decisions made under Miami’s previous front office.
He also cited first-year head coach Jeff Hafley’s August assessment that the 2026 campaign should not be judged strictly by the win-loss record. To Fitzpatrick, that message, combined with the Dolphins claiming seven players off waivers following the initial roster cuts, suggested a team undergoing a substantial reset.
The situation reminded Fitzpatrick of the 2019 Dolphins, when he played for a Miami team widely viewed as rebuilding under rookie head coach Brian Flores. That club began 0-7 and lost its first four games by an average of 34 points, but it eventually won five games.
Fitzpatrick said the players and coaching staff can prevent any slide from becoming a deliberate race to the bottom, just as they did in 2019. Still, he sees the current circumstances as making a winless season possible.
Miami’s schedule adds to his concern. The Dolphins are set to play the NFC North and AFC West, while road games against the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals also stand out. Fitzpatrick additionally expects the New York Jets to be improved.
Only three teams have finished a full NFL season without a victory in the Super Bowl era: the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers went 0-14 in 1976, the Detroit Lions finished 0-16 in 2008 and the Cleveland Browns posted an 0-16 mark in 2017. The league adopted its 17-game schedule in 2021.
Miami will try to avoid an 0-2 start Sunday when it travels to play the 1-0 San Francisco 49ers. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.
SEO Title: Ryan Fitzpatrick Says Dolphins Could Go 0-17 in 2026
SEO Description: Former Dolphins quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick points to Miami’s dead-cap burden, roster overhaul and demanding schedule after the team’s Week 1 loss.
