The 2026 NFL schedule is shaping up to be a marathon—literally. With a record-breaking nine international games on the docket, teams are racking up serious air miles, and the Miami Dolphins are right in the thick of it, even without leaving the country.
According to an analysis by Bookies.com’s Bill Speros, the San Francisco 49ers are set to shatter the single-season travel record, logging a staggering 38,105 miles thanks to games in Australia and Mexico. They lead a pack of globe-trotting teams that includes the Los Angeles Rams (34,847 miles), Houston Texans (28,470), Dallas Cowboys (27,980), and New England Patriots (27,590)—all of whom have international games in 2026.
But here’s where it gets interesting for Dolphins fans: Miami lands at No. 6 with 27,568 miles traveled, and they’ll do it all on domestic soil. That’s more than enough to circle the Earth at the equator (24,901 miles), a feat the top six teams all achieve this season.
The Dolphins’ travel-heavy schedule is nothing new. Based in South Florida, they’re already accustomed to long hauls for divisional road games in Buffalo, New England, and New Jersey. This year, they’ll add cross-country treks to Denver, Las Vegas, Green Bay, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and San Francisco. That’s a lot of time in the air for a team that’s used to the heat of Hard Rock Stadium.
On the flip side, the Carolina Panthers have the lightest travel load at just 8,740 miles, while the Cleveland Browns stay under 10,000 miles with 9,073.
The full 2026 NFL schedule drops Thursday night, and the Dolphins could find some relief if their distant road games—like Las Vegas, Denver, and San Francisco—fall on consecutive weeks. That would allow the team to stay out West instead of flying back to Miami between games, saving both time and energy.
For a team looking to make a playoff push, every mile—and every hour of rest—matters. Whether you’re packing your bags for a road trip or just cheering from home, make sure you’re geared up in Dolphins apparel ready for the journey ahead.