Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders Picks and Prediction for Friday August 14 2026
The Miami Dolphins visit the Washington Commanders for an NFL preseason matchup at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Friday, August 14, 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, with WUSA9 carrying the game in the Washington market. The Dolphins are one-point favorites, while the total is set at 36.5. Miami is approximately -115 on the moneyline, with Washington priced around -105. Football bettors can find additional analysis throughout the season by visiting our free NFL picks.
Miami and Washington will participate in a joint practice before Friday’s game. That controlled session could provide the starters with most of the competitive work they need, making extensive appearances by Malik Willis and Jayden Daniels less likely. The backup-quarterback rotations should have a greater influence on the final result.
Miami Introduces a New Coaching Staff and Quarterback Room
The Dolphins will play their first game under head coach Jeff Hafley. Miami also hired Bobby Slowik as its offensive coordinator, meaning the team is installing a different system while evaluating a substantially changed quarterback room.
Willis enters the preseason as the leading candidate to start. His mobility should fit an offense expected to use play-action passes, designed movement and a more physical rushing attack. However, Miami may decide that the joint practice provides Willis with enough meaningful work before limiting his participation in the exhibition game.
Quinn Ewers is the only returning quarterback from Miami’s 2025 roster. He gained regular-season experience late last year and now has an opportunity to demonstrate that he can become a dependable option behind Willis. His familiarity with the personnel provides some continuity despite the changes throughout the coaching staff.
Cam Miller and Mark Gronowski complete the quarterback group. Miller was selected in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft after playing at North Dakota State, while Gronowski entered the league as an undrafted free agent. Both bring mobility, but they must adjust to NFL game speed while operating behind reserve offensive linemen.
Miami’s rotation offers intriguing athleticism without much proven NFL experience. Willis has appeared in meaningful regular-season games, but Ewers, Miller and Gronowski remain developmental options. The Dolphins could encounter inconsistent execution once Willis leaves, particularly as the newer quarterbacks work with receivers and linemen competing near the bottom of the roster.
Washington Possesses the More Experienced Rotation
Washington enters its third season under head coach Dan Quinn but has made significant changes to its staff. David Blough has taken over as offensive coordinator, while Daronte Jones is coordinating the defense. The Commanders must evaluate those new systems without unnecessarily exposing their established starters.
Daniels is healthy after injuries disrupted his 2025 season. He has reportedly looked comfortable during training camp while adjusting to an offense that will place him under center more frequently. Daniels may receive a brief appearance, but the joint practice reduces Washington’s need to use him extensively Friday night.
Marcus Mariota gives the Commanders a clear experience advantage behind their starter. He has accumulated more than 10,000 passing yards during his NFL career and remains capable of creating offense with his legs. Mariota should be comfortable managing a simplified preseason game plan against Miami’s reserve defense.
The competition behind Mariota could become one of Washington’s most important preseason storylines. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis has reportedly generated positive attention during training camp after being selected in the seventh round. He possesses the arm strength to attack downfield and will be competing with Sam Hartman for a developmental roster position.
Hartman has spent the previous two seasons within Washington’s organization. His familiarity with the personnel and terminology gives the Commanders a quarterback who should understand the operational demands of preseason football. Washington can therefore use a passer with at least some organizational experience throughout the second half.
The Commanders must also evaluate their offensive-line depth following the loss of left tackle Laremy Tunsil to a torn triceps. Washington recently added several veteran linemen, but those players have had limited time to learn the system. Pass protection could become inconsistent after the established starters leave.
Miami Dolphins vs Washington Commanders Picks and Prediction
- Pick: Washington Commanders +1
Washington is the preferred side as a slight home underdog. The Commanders have the more experienced quarterback rotation, with Mariota positioned to handle the offense after Daniels completes his work or remains on the sideline. His mobility and extensive starting experience should be valuable against Miami’s reserve defenders.
Hartman also has two years of experience within Washington’s organization, while Kaliakmanis enters with encouraging training-camp reports. The Commanders should have a quarterback capable of operating the offense throughout the game, even if their protection becomes unreliable.
Miami has athletic options, beginning with Willis and continuing with Ewers, Miller and Gronowski. However, the Dolphins are installing new systems under a first-year coaching staff, and three of their four quarterbacks have limited or no NFL game experience. Execution could deteriorate during the second half.
The joint practice reduces the likelihood that either team gains a significant advantage from its starters. That places greater importance on backup experience, where Washington holds the stronger position. Taking the available point with the home team is the preferred preseason wager.
- Pick: Under 36.5
The under is the preferred total. Daniels and Willis are unlikely to play extensively after receiving competitive repetitions during the joint practice. Both teams should become more conservative as they move deeper into their quarterback rotations.
Miami’s offense could rely heavily on the running game once Miller or Gronowski enters. Both rookies are mobile, but Hafley and Slowik should prioritize manageable situations rather than asking either quarterback to attempt an aggressive collection of downfield passes.
Washington has more experience at quarterback, but its changing offensive line could struggle with communication and protection. The Commanders should use a controlled game plan featuring short passes, play-action concepts and a steady rushing workload.
A total of 36.5 leaves little margin, but the opening preseason game frequently brings penalties, missed assignments and stalled red-zone possessions. Washington’s quarterback depth can help it win without producing a high-scoring result.
Final Score Prediction: Washington Commanders 19, Miami Dolphins 16