Finding the Miami Dolphins on what channel can sometimes feel like a full-time job. You just want to sit down with a plate of wings and watch Tua and the crew, but instead, you're scrolling through five different streaming apps and a cable guide that hasn't been updated since the 90s. Honestly, the NFL's broadcasting deals are a bit of a maze these days. Between the "legacy" networks like CBS and the new-age streaming exclusives on Amazon, it's easy to miss a kickoff.
Let’s be real. It’s January 2026. The regular season is in the rearview mirror, and if you're looking for the Fins right now, you're likely hunting for postseason action or looking ahead to the 2026-2027 slate.
The 2026 NFL Playoff Picture
The current NFL playoff schedule for the 2025-2026 postseason is spread across a few different homes. If the Dolphins are making a deep run, you’ll need to keep a close eye on the AFC rotation.
Historically, CBS is the primary home for the AFC. If the Dolphins are playing a Sunday afternoon game in the Divisional round or the AFC Championship, CBS (and its streaming partner Paramount+) is your most likely destination. However, the NFL loves to mix it up. NBC, FOX, and even ESPN/ABC take bites out of the playoff pie. For example, NBC is slated to broadcast Super Bowl 60 on February 8, 2026, from Levi's Stadium.
- Wild Card Weekend: Usually split between NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN/ABC, and a standalone exclusive on Amazon Prime Video.
- Divisional Round: Shared between the big four networks.
- Conference Championships: CBS typically handles the AFC, while FOX takes the NFC.
Why the Channel Always Changes
It's about the money. The NFL signed massive 11-year media rights deals that started in 2023, and we are currently right in the thick of them. These deals mean that Miami Dolphins on what channel depends entirely on who they are playing and what time the game starts.
If they are playing an inter-conference game against an NFC team like the Chicago Bears, you might find them on FOX. If it’s a primetime Monday night showdown, you’re looking at ESPN or ABC. It’s a lot to juggle.
Where to Find Regular Season Games
Looking toward the 2026 regular season, the opponents are already set even if the exact dates aren't. We know the Dolphins will be facing the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and New England Patriots twice each. They also have dates with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions on the 2026 calendar.
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Most Sunday afternoon games—usually the 1:00 PM ET or 4:05 PM ET slots—will live on CBS. This is because the AFC "owns" the rights to the majority of games where an AFC team is the visitor. But there are exceptions.
Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. If the Dolphins are scheduled for a mid-week clash, you won't find it on traditional cable unless you live in the local Miami market. In South Florida, local stations (usually the CBS or ABC affiliate) are required to broadcast the game over the air so fans without high-speed internet aren't left in the dark.
The Streaming Reality
Streaming isn't just an "extra" anymore; it's the core.
- Paramount+: Every single Dolphins game that airs on CBS is available here.
- Peacock: This is the home for Sunday Night Football on NBC.
- NFL+: This is the league's own service. It's great for mobile viewing of local and primetime games, but it won't let you cast to your TV for those specific live broadcasts.
- YouTube TV: If you are a displaced Dolfan living in New York or California, NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV is the only legal way to see every out-of-market Sunday game.
Common Misconceptions About Dolphins Broadcasts
People often think that because they have a "sports package" on cable, they get every game. That hasn't been true for years. The biggest "gotcha" in 2026 is the exclusive streaming window. We've seen games move exclusively to Peacock or Amazon where no amount of channel surfing will find them.
Another point of confusion is the "blackout" rule. While the old-school blackout rules (where games weren't shown if the stadium didn't sell out) are largely a thing of the past, "regionalization" still exists. If the Dolphins are playing at the same time as the Jaguars or Buccaneers, and you live in North Florida, your local CBS station might choose to show the Jags instead.
Actionable Tips for Dolphins Fans
To make sure you never miss a snap, you should do three things right now. First, download the Miami Dolphins official app; they send push notifications about an hour before kickoff with the exact channel info. Second, if you're a cord-cutter, ensure your digital antenna is set up. You can catch about 80% of the season for free over the air on CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Lastly, check the schedule at least 48 hours in advance. The NFL's "flexible scheduling" policy allows them to move games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night to ensure the best matchups get the primetime spotlight. A game that was supposed to be on CBS at 1:00 PM could suddenly end up on NBC at 8:20 PM.
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Stay locked into the local South Florida sports radio or the team's social media accounts on game day morning. They are the most reliable sources for last-minute broadcast tweaks or weather delays that might shift coverage.
Check your local listings for the specific CBS or FOX affiliate in your area to confirm the regional map coverage.