Lions vs Dolphins | NFL Preseason Week 2 | August 16
The NFL preseason is rolling into its second week, and one of the most intriguing matchups on the slate is the Detroit Lions hosting the Miami Dolphins on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Set to take place at Ford Field in Detroit, MI, and available to watch live on FuboTV, and Ticketsmaster, this game offers football fans a closer look at two teams aiming to build momentum heading into the regular season. While preseason results don’t directly impact playoff chances, the performances, roster battles, and strategic adjustments seen in these games often carry significant weight for coaches and players alike.
This Lions vs. Dolphins clash isn’t just another preseason warm-up. It’s a chance for Detroit to test its depth against one of the AFC’s top contenders, while Miami looks to fine-tune its explosive offense and continue developing defensive chemistry. Let’s break down what to expect from this early afternoon showdown.
Game Information
- Matchup: Miami Dolphins vs. Detroit Lions
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- TV Broadcast & Streaming: FuboTV (Live Stream)
Detroit Lions – Preseason Progress & Focus Points
The Detroit Lions enter this game after a strong start to their preseason campaign, riding the momentum from a successful 2024 regular season and playoff appearance. Head coach Dan Campbell has cultivated a culture of toughness and resilience, and that mentality shows even in games that “don’t count” in the standings.
In Week 1 of the preseason, the Lions showcased depth at multiple positions, particularly along the offensive line and in their young secondary. Backup quarterback play will be one of the focal points against Miami, as Campbell and his staff look to solidify who will serve as Jared Goff’s primary understudy. Rookie and second-year skill players are also in the spotlight, battling for roster spots and expanded roles.
Key areas of focus for the Lions:
- Quarterback Rotation: Expect Jared Goff to get limited snaps, giving way to backups and young prospects eager to impress.
- Rookie Development: Several first- and second-year players, especially on defense, are competing for starting spots.
- Special Teams Execution: The Lions have been emphasizing clean play on special teams, a crucial but often overlooked element.
Miami Dolphins – Preseason Progress & Focus Points
The Miami Dolphins are coming off a dynamic 2024 season that featured one of the league’s most explosive offenses, led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While preseason games rarely showcase the full offensive arsenal, head coach Mike McDaniel uses these contests to evaluate depth and integrate new schemes.
Miami’s Week 1 preseason game highlighted a few roster battles worth tracking, especially in the offensive backfield and secondary. With a fast-paced offensive identity, the Dolphins will likely focus on timing, route precision, and testing young defenders against Detroit’s versatile receiving corps.
Key areas of focus for the Dolphins:
- Backup QB Evaluation: Ensuring they have a reliable No. 2 behind Tagovailoa is a priority.
- Defensive Adjustments: With new personnel in the secondary, Miami will be experimenting with different coverage packages.
- Offensive Line Depth: The Dolphins are still looking for consistency in protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes.
Preseason Game Dynamics – What to Expect
While regular-season meetings between these two franchises have often been physical and strategically intense, the preseason shifts the focus toward evaluation and experimentation. The coaching staffs will want to see situational execution—third downs, red-zone efficiency, and special teams performance—while avoiding unnecessary risks to star players.
Expectations for gameplay:
- Limited Starters: Both teams will likely rest many of their core players after the first quarter.
- Young Player Spotlight: Rookies and fringe roster players will get extended opportunities to prove they belong.
- Balanced Playcalling: Expect a mix of run and pass plays designed to test multiple areas of the depth chart.
Matchup Analysis
Offense
Detroit’s offensive identity under Dan Campbell and OC Ben Johnson has been rooted in balance—establishing the run to open up explosive passing opportunities. Against Miami’s speedy defense, expect Detroit to work on quick passing concepts to neutralize the pass rush.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, thrive on tempo and big-play potential. Even in preseason mode, Miami’s scheme stretches defenses horizontally and vertically, creating mismatches that backup quarterbacks can still exploit with accurate throws.
Defense
Detroit’s defense, led by coordinator Aaron Glenn, has been improving in coverage discipline and pressure generation. Expect heavy rotation in the defensive line to assess situational pass-rushers. Miami’s defense under new adjustments is focused on blending aggression with disciplined zone concepts, which will be tested against Detroit’s play-action-heavy approach.
Players to Watch
Detroit Lions:
- Hendon Hooker (QB): Could see extended playing time as Detroit evaluates his growth.
- Jameson Williams (WR): Even with limited reps, his speed is a constant threat.
- Brian Branch (DB): Young defensive back who continues to impress with versatility.
Miami Dolphins:
- Skylar Thompson (QB): Competing for the primary backup role.
- De’Von Achane (RB): Electric runner who can shift momentum quickly.
- Cam Smith (CB): Young corner in a battle for significant snaps.
Coaching Strategies
Dan Campbell’s preseason approach emphasizes effort, execution, and building physicality regardless of the opponent. Don’t be surprised if Detroit tests its run game early to set a tone.
Mike McDaniel, known for his creative offensive designs, uses preseason games to test schematic wrinkles and evaluate communication between quarterbacks and receivers. Expect Miami to use plenty of motion and misdirection to challenge Detroit’s young defenders.
Prediction
While preseason scores are unpredictable due to the rotating personnel, this matchup favors the team with more depth and cohesion in its backup units. Detroit’s roster has steadily improved in this regard, and at home, they could have the slight edge.
Projected Outcome: Lions 20 – Dolphins 17
The Lions vs. Dolphins preseason Week 2 clash at Ford Field is more than just a tune-up—it’s a proving ground for young talent, a stage for position battles, and a live test of coaching adjustments ahead of the 2025 NFL regular season. For fans, it’s an early taste of football energy in Detroit, and for the players, it’s an opportunity to solidify their spot on the 53-man roster.
When the whistle blows on August 16 at 1:00 PM, expect competitive spirit, big plays from emerging stars, and a sneak peek at what these two franchises might bring to the NFL stage in the months ahead.
