The Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders open their preseason schedule, wrapping up a series of joint practices between the two teams.
If the practice sessions are any indication of where the two teams stand amid rebuilds, it could be a long night for Miami. That’s why my Dolphins vs. Commanders predictions call for Washington to roll.
It all kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on Friday from Northwest Stadium, with Miami as the -3 point favorite as we make our NFL picks.
Dolphins vs Commanders predictions
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Who will win Dolphins vs Commanders: Commanders
The coaching cliché says that joint preseason practices give a team a chance to face someone in a different colored jersey. But after practicing with the Washington Commanders, the colors the Miami Dolphins' offensive line will face in the mirror are black and blue.
The Commanders dominated the trenches. New Miami quarterback Malik Willis was scrambling for his life most of the day.
While the Dolphins’ linemen were bruised, the receivers and secondary were toasted and blackened. On offense, Miami’s pass-catchers couldn’t get open, and on the other side of the ball, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels sliced and diced the Dolphins' defensive backs.
Washington ranked 25th in the NFL in 20-plus-yard plays last year. But with a healthy Daniels and the addition of Stefon Diggs, that looks ready to improve.
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Dolphins vs Commanders Over/Under pick: Over 36.5
Miami took a wrecking ball to the offense over the offseason, getting rid of offensive wizard Mike McDaniel at head coach and cutting ties with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and every receiver who registered 350-plus yards last year.
Willis has looked capable as the new starter for much of the early preseason, but the joint practices now throw that into doubt. Maybe his success came from facing a weak Miami defense, because the offense was in turmoil against Washington.
Daniels and backups Marcus Mariota and Sam Hartman should enjoy plenty of production against Miami's poor defense. But will the Dolphins do their part to cash this Over?
Willis has shown an ability to make a big play with his legs. If he can produce one score, and fourth-quarter garbage time leads to a second Miami touchdown, Washington should be able to do the rest.
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Dolphins vs Commanders weather
Friday won’t reach the low 90s temperatures that we’ve seen in the D.C. area for the joint practices, but it will be mid-to high 80s with a chance of light rain.
How to watch Dolphins vs Commanders
| Location | Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD |
| Date | Thursday, Aug. 14, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV | NFL+ |
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