Sunday night was a pivotal moment for the Miami Dolphins as they watched the Chiefs and Chargers duke it out on Sunday Night Football. As the dust settled, the Dolphins found a new opening in their playoff quest.
For the last few weeks, Miami’s road to the postseason was blocked by the Colts and Broncos, both vying for that coveted final seventh seed. With the Colts holding the head-to-head advantage against Miami, this road seemed especially daunting.
But with Week 14 offering bye weeks for both the Colts and Broncos, the landscape shifted.
A victory over the Jets nudged Miami’s record to 6-7, leveling them with the Colts and pulling them within two games of Denver. Meanwhile, the Sunday night loss for the Chargers meant they’re also just two games ahead of the Dolphins, alongside the Ravens in this competitive race.
After witnessing these outcomes, the playoff picture for Miami became a shade clearer. Their win against the Jets coupled with the Chargers’ stumble has nudged their playoff chances to 15%. It’s all still within reach, but the Dolphins know they need to focus on what they can directly influence.
Of these playoff hopefuls, the Broncos undoubtedly face the most challenging schedule ahead, while the Ravens find themselves with a slightly smoother path. A Chargers loss against the Buccaneers in Week 15 could swing the door wide open for Miami. Still, the real showdown looms in Week 16 against Denver, a clash that could make or break Miami’s playoff dreams.
For the Dolphins, it’s still a waiting game, hoping for setbacks for the likes of the Broncos and Colts, while keeping a close eye on the Chargers who face a tough schedule in the coming weeks. If Miami wants to turn this playoff hope into a reality, they’ll need to keep their focus sharp and take care of their business on the field.