In a thrilling season opener, the Miami Dolphins narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 21-18, setting the tone for the 2026 campaign. Both teams showcased their talent, but it was the Dolphins who came out on top in this tightly contested matchup. Malik Willis starred for Miami, throwing for three touchdowns while leading the Dolphins’ offense effectively. Jonathan Taylor added a solid ground game with 92 rushing yards, complementing the aerial attack. Meanwhile, the Raiders' Fernando Mendoza kept pace with 242 passing yards and Brock Bowers was a standout receiver, racking up 155 yards, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory. Defensively, the Dolphins made crucial plays to sway the outcome, with Michael Taaffe leading the way with six total tackles. Chop Robinson recorded a key sack, while Jordyn Brooks notched an interception that halted a promising Raiders drive. The pivotal moment came late in the fourth quarter when Brooks' interception shifted momentum back to Miami, allowing them to secure the win and start the season on a high note.