The Miami Dolphins are eagerly anticipating the release of the 2024 NFL season’s schedule, a pivotal moment that could significantly shape their upcoming campaign.
The unveiling of a team’s schedule can be a moment of optimism or dread. For a storied franchise like the Miami Dolphins, getting handed a challenging schedule can add an extra layer of adversity to the already daunting task of competing in the NFL. Sometimes, the schedule can feel like a rough sea that teams must navigate, with the hope that it doesn’t capsize their season before it even starts.
There’s been a buzz on social media suggesting the Dolphins might kick off their season with a home game. While initially, this might seem like a favorable scenario, there are certain factors that could tilt this advantage into a drawback, especially if the opener pits them against a formidable opponent like the Buffalo Bills under the sweltering Miami sun. Considering the Dolphins are slated to play an additional away game this season, starting off on the road could actually offer a more balanced schedule throughout the year.
Here are a few scheduling scenarios that could potentially derail the Dolphins’ aspirations for a successful 2024 season:
1. Opening the season with consecutive home games.
Starting the season with two games at Hard Rock Stadium could initially seem like a dream scenario, offering the Dolphins a chance to capitalize on their home-field advantage and potentially secure early victories. However, this could backfire by forcing the Dolphins into a daunting schedule for the remainder of the season. After the two home openers, Miami would have just six home games left in a 17-game season, almost guaranteeing at least one grueling three-game road trip.
Additionally, if the NFL decides to place these initial home games in premier time slots or schedule them for late afternoon starts when the sun’s intensity at the stadium begins to wane, it could further complicate matters for the Dolphins.
As the Miami Dolphins and their fans await the official 2024 NFL schedule release, the hope is for a balanced slate that allows the team to compete on even footing. Yet, the peculiarities of the schedule could present an early hurdle that the Dolphins will need to overcome to sail smoothly through the season.