The NFL’s global footprint expands again Sunday morning as the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders meet in the league’s first regular-season game ever played in Spain. The historic matchup kicks off at 9:30 a.m. EST on NFL Network from the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid — home of Real Madrid and one of world football’s most celebrated venues.
Both teams enter at 3–7, but the stakes go well beyond the standings. Miami seeks momentum after a dominant win, while Washington desperately hopes to halt a historic slide.
This is the 17th all-time meeting between the franchises — a matchup that includes two Super Bowls. Series: Miami leads 10–6. Last meeting: Dolphins beat Washington 45–15 on Dec. 3, 2023. Historic ties: Miami defeated Washington 14–7 in Super Bowl VII, completing the only perfect season in NFL history (17–0).
MIAMI DOLPHINS (3–7)
Dolphins Arrive Riding Momentum — and Offensive Efficiency
Miami snapped a three-game skid last week with a convincing 30–13 win over Buffalo, improving to 9–3 in the month of November under head coach Mike McDaniel. Fittingly, McDaniel will return to an important chapter of his past: he began his NFL coaching journey in Washington from 2011–13, repeatedly calling it one of his most formative professional experiences.
This will be Miami’s eighth international game. The Dolphins played in the first International Series matchup in 2007, losing to the Giants in London. Their overall international record is 2–5, though they went 4–0 in previous American Bowl exhibitions in the ’80s and ’90s.
Dolphins Key Stats & Storylines
- Short-yardage efficiency: 7th in the NFL (68.2% on 3rd-and-short)
- Red-zone defense: 8th (54.1%)
- Tua Tagovailoa in the red zone:
- 117.4 passer rating (3rd in NFL)
- 70% completion rate (3rd)
Explosive Playmakers Fuel Miami
RB De’Von Achane continues to be one of the league’s most efficient runners:
- 780 rushing yards, 5 TDs
- 5.5 yards per carry — 3rd-best in the NFL
- One of only five Dolphins ever with multiple 200-scrimmage-yard games.
Meanwhile, WR Jaylen Waddle has ignited since Week 5:
- 29 receptions, 485 yards (16.7 avg.)
- 3 TDs
- 3rd-most receiving yards in the NFL during that stretch.
If the Dolphins replicate last year’s 45-point outburst against Washington — their highest scoring game of the 2023 season — Miami could be positioned to revive its wild-card hopes.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3–7)
Commanders Hit Madrid Amid Stunning Tailspin
One year after reaching the NFC Championship Game, Washington’s season has unraveled. A 3–2 start has disintegrated into five straight losses, all by at least 21 points — the first time an NFL team has suffered four consecutive 21+ point losses since 2002.
Last week’s 42–22 defeat to Detroit continued the trend and prompted head coach Dan Quinn to reclaim defensive-playcalling duties from DC Joe Whitt Jr.
Washington’s struggles sit on both sides of the ball:
- Points allowed: 28.0 per game
- Points scored: 22.3 per game
Injuries Pile Up
The Commanders will again be without rookie QB Jayden Daniels, who is missing his fifth game of the year — now due to a dislocated left elbow. He has also battled a sprained knee and hamstring injury.
Backup Marcus Mariota is scheduled to start:
- 6 TDs, 4 INTs this season
- 1–3 in his four starts.
Washington will also be without star DT Daron Payne, suspended one game after punching Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown.
For Washington, the spectacle of playing at the Bernabéu offers a chance to reset, regain confidence, and reclaim identity — particularly on defense, where Quinn built his reputation. Stopping Miami’s speed and efficiency, however, will be the toughest task of their international trip.
Achane, Waddle, and Tagovailoa represent a nightmare matchup for any defense — doubly so for a unit allowing 30-plus routinely in recent weeks.
Mariota’s mobility gives Washington a different look, but the Commanders need long drives to keep Miami’s explosive offense off the field.
A world-class stadium and a soccer-centric culture will provide a unique backdrop. Crowd energy — and turf conditions — could influence tempo early.
Facing his former organization on an international stage adds a notable subplot for Miami’s innovative head coach.
The Commanders’ defensive struggles, injuries, and instability make this a difficult matchup — especially against a Miami team regaining its offensive rhythm and historically strong in November under McDaniel. Washington must control the ball, finish drives, and avoid falling behind early — something it hasn’t managed in weeks.
Note to author. Tyreek Hill has been out since week four with a dislocated knee.