The 2009 NFL schedule has been released for the Miami Dolphins. They are arguably facing the toughest schedule of any team in the NFL for 2009. And the NFL must think the Dolphins are going to do well this year, as the 2009 Miami Dolphins schedule includes a whopping four prime-time games.
In week two, the Dolphins will face the always-tough Colts on Monday night in Miami. In week five, the Dolphins will face the Jets, also on Monday, and also in Miami. The next week, the Dolphins have a bye to recover from that battle, really giving them an edge going into that game. However, six out of the next nine games the Dolphins play, they will be on the road – at New York, New England, Carolina, Buffalo, Jacksonville, and Tennessee. The good news is that they stay east of the Mississippi for the entire trip, so it should not be too taxing on them. In the middle of that road swing is a Thursday night game at Carolina that comes just a few days after playing Tampa Bay.
In the middle of that swing of away games, the Dolphins will head home for a Sunday night game on December 6 against New England. At that point in the season, first place in the AFC East will likely be dependent on the outcome of that game.
In addition to the Dolphins regular opponents of their own division, in 2009 they will also face the Falcons, Colts, Chargers, Saints, Bucs, Panthers, Jaguars, Titans, and Steelers. Every one of those teams heads into 2009 expecting to have a winning record. If the Miami Dolphins can make it through this 2009 NFL schedule with a record anywhere near their 11-5 record of 2008, they will win the AFC East and may be on their way to a super bowl!
Week 1: Miami Dolphins at Atlanta Falcons. This will be a big early test for the Dolphins. Can they start the season on the road with a win?
Week 2: Indianapolis Colts at Miami Dolphins: Miami has had a strong defense for years, and it will take a strong defense to beat the Colts.
Week 3: Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers: For some reason, Miami always has a hard time when they head to the west coast. This is their only trip this year, so a loss here will not be too painful.
Week 4: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins: A classic matchup that the Dolphins should win easily at home.
Week 5: New York Jets at Miami Dolphins: Another divisional matchup that the Dolphins need to win to stay in the top of the AFC this year.
Week 6: Bye weekend.
Week 7: New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins: The last of three consecutive games at home should allow the Dolphins to head into their long road trip with a strong winning record, perhaps as much as 5-1.
Week 8: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets: Miami heads to New York, but it shouldn’t be too cold yet. This should be a sold win for the Dolphins, solidifying their place in the AFC East division.
Week 9: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots: An early November game in Foxboro favors the Dolphins. At least they shouldn’t be playing in swirling snow.
Week 10: Tampa Bay Bucs at Miami Dolphins: Two Florida teams playing in Florida. This could be a high-scoring affair.
Week 11: Miami Dolphins at Carolina Panthers: This game should be a real challenge for both teams.
Week 12: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills: At the end of November, this could be in a snowstorm in Buffalo. Those games always favor the home team.
Week 13: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins play the Patriots every year. The Dolphins like it when the December games are in Miami and not Foxboro.
Week 14: Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars: Another all-Florida game, this time between two teams going opposite directions. Miami will have to be careful to not be overconfident, especially if they have a strong record at this time.
Week 15: Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans: The Dolphins head to Tennessee where a lot of teams struggle. This should be a solid matchup of evenly balanced teams.
Week 16: Houston Texans at Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins head home to face a team that hopes to be strong in the playoffs in 2009. This will be another tough battle for the Fins.
Week 17: Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins end with a real tough game, but they will be at home instead of in Pittsburgh. This game could determine the number one seed for the AFC (that’s what the NFL is hoping for, I’m sure).
http://miamidolphins.com/newsite/news/gameschedule.asp
