Dolphins back in prime time
DAVIE (AP) – The Miami Dolphins will be in prime time at least four times this coming season, including two appearances in Monday night matchups.
The defending AFC East champions open Sept. 13 at Atlanta, then play their home opener Sept. 21 on a Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts.
Miami also plays the New York Jets at home on Monday night, Oct. 12. Other prime-time matchups for the Dolphins include a trip to face the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Nov. 19 and at home against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Dec. 6.
“With the NFL scheduling us for four prime time games this season, it reflects the national following the Dolphins have built over time and it’s indicative of the progress we’ve made in the last year,” Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said.
In an odd scheduling twist, the Dolphins do not play a road game in October.
They visit San Diego on Sept. 27, then host the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 4 and the Jets a week later. Miami’s bye week follows, and after that, the New Orleans Saints visit on Oct. 25.
Miami then plays six of its next eight games on the road, including at the Jacksonville Jaguars (Dec. 13). The only home games in that stretch are with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 15 and a Sunday night game with New England three weeks later.
The Dolphins close the season with home games against the Houston Texans (Dec. 27) and Pittsburgh Steelers (Jan. 3).