When you think of the most popular franchises in the NFL, the Miami Dolphins have to come to mind, but there’s only been one season where a team other than the New England Patriots won the AFC East during the time that Tom Brady has been a starting quarterback in the NFL. Think about that for a second. The Dolphins will continue their quest to dethrone the Patriots in 2016, and there will be some other contests they’ll use as landmarks to determine how far they’ve come.
![5 Biggest Games On Miami Dolphins\' 2016 NFL Schedule](/nfl/files/2016/04/Steve-Mitchell-USA-TODAY-Sports-1-320x180.jpg)
5. Sept. 11 at Seattle Seahawks
![Sept. 11 at Seattle Seahawks](/nfl/files/2016/04/Jeremy-Brevard-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
5. Sept. 11 at Seattle Seahawks
The Dolphins kick their season off on the road with the unenviable task of facing the Seahawks in one of the toughest places to play in the NFL. This should be a great test to see how the Dolphins match up against one of the NFL's best.
4. Sept. 18 at New England Patriots
![Sept. 18 at New England Patriots](/nfl/files/2016/04/Steve-Mitchell-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
4. Sept. 18 at New England Patriots
In Week 2, the Dolphins pay a visit to the Patriots for the first of two matchups with their division rivals. If they're serious about taking the next step, they need to find a way around these guys at some point.
3. Sept. 29 at Cincinnati Bengals
![Sept. 29 at Cincinnati Bengals](/nfl/files/2016/04/Aaron-Doster-USA-TODAY-Sports-2.jpg)
3. Sept. 29 at Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati struggles in games that are on primetime television, but they've still been one of the best in the league for several years. The Dolphins are still trying to prove they deserve to be scheduled in games that are on a national stage.
2. Oct. 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
![Oct. 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers](/nfl/files/2016/04/Mark-J.-Rebilas-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
2. Oct. 16 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
This will be the fourth time in six games that the Dolphins will face a team that made the playoffs the prior year. We should know more about how close or how far away they are from being a contender. At least this one will be a home game.
1. Dec. 11 vs. Arizona Cardinals
![Dec. 11 vs. Arizona Cardinals](/nfl/files/2016/04/Jason-Getz-USA-TODAY-Sports.jpg)
1. Dec. 11 vs. Arizona Cardinals
This is a late-season matchup against another playoff team from the NFC. Arizona is on their way up the NFL ladder. Will the Dolphins be able to prove that they're ready to join them in that class? We'll all have to wait and learn together.
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