In a tightly contested season opener, the Miami Dolphins emerged victorious, defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 27-21. Both teams aimed to set the tone for the 2026 season, but it was Miami that managed to secure the early win, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilience under pressure. Malik Willis led the Dolphins with an impressive performance, throwing for 188 yards and two touchdowns. His ability to find the end zone proved crucial as Miami built a lead that they would ultimately hold onto. Meanwhile, Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. had a standout day on the ground, rushing for 169 yards, but it wasn't enough to propel Las Vegas to victory. Defensively, the Raiders were active, with Eric Stokes making five total tackles and Folorunso Fatukasi contributing a sack. However, the turning point came late in the game when Miami’s defense managed to stifle a potential game-winning drive from the Raiders. Darien Porter's interception sealed the deal for the Dolphins, allowing them to escape Las Vegas with a hard-fought victory.