The Miami Dolphins’ playoff aspirations received a tremendous boost this past weekend. Not only did their victory over the New York Jets improve their standing, but the Kansas City Chiefs’ triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers also played to their advantage. As they sit at a 6-7 record, the Dolphins face a crucial stretch, with games lined up against Houston, San Francisco at home, Cleveland, and a rematch with the Jets.
Dolphins’ Playoff Picture in the AFC
Currently, Miami is tied for eighth place in the AFC standings alongside the Indianapolis Colts. They’re two games adrift of the current wild-card leaders—the Baltimore Ravens, the L.A. Chargers, and the Denver Broncos—as well as the AFC South division leader, the Houston Texans, whom they’ll face in Week 15.
The AFC landscape seems to have crystallized into four tiers of teams. The Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have punched their tickets to the postseason, with the Pittsburgh Steelers expected to follow suit soon, boasting a formidable 10-3 record. The next tier includes the Ravens, Texans, Chargers, and Broncos, all sitting pretty with eight wins and eyeing playoff berths.
Several teams, such as the New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders, have already been knocked out of playoff contention, with the Cincinnati Bengals holding on by a thread at 5-8. For the Dolphins to carve their path to the playoffs, they must surpass one of the current wild-card holders or outpace the AFC South runner-up.
With no more byes left in the 2024 regular season, every weekend promises a jam-packed schedule, and the Dolphins desperately need some favorable results this Sunday to boost their postseason chances.
Key Matchups for Dolphins Fans in Week 15
Tampa Bay at L.A. Chargers, Sunday, 4:25 PM ET
The Buccaneers, current NFC South leaders, could take a significant stride toward their fourth consecutive division title with a win in this matchup. A Tampa victory would also be a boon for the Dolphins, indirectly assisting their playoff push.
N.Y. Giants vs. Baltimore, Sunday, 1 PM ET
Hope springs eternal, even if the Giants’ prospects against the Ravens seem slim, especially with Tommy DeVito under center and the Ravens fresh from a bye. But for Dolphins fans, any chink in Baltimore’s armor is welcome.
Cleveland vs. Kansas City, Sunday, 1 PM ET
The Chiefs have already clinched the AFC West (yawn), but they’re gunning for the top seed. The Dolphins would prefer Kansas City to retain that incentive till Week 18 when they face Denver—a clash with big implications for Miami.
Buffalo at Detroit, Sunday, 4:25 PM ET
This matchup ties back to the Chiefs again. If the Bills stay within reaching distance of Kansas City as we approach Week 18, it provides further motivation for a KC-DEN showdown that could aid the Dolphins’ cause.
Tennessee vs. Cincinnati, 1 PM ET
While teams like Cincinnati are likely out of the playoff picture, eliminating all disruptions is always satisfying. Ending any faint Bengals’ hopes could streamline the path for Miami.
Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh, 1 PM ET
The odds are long for the Dolphins to leapfrog the Steelers if they land a wild-card spot, but mathematically, it’s still, however slightly, in the realm of possibility. Hence, an Eagles win would not go uncelebrated by Dolphins fans.
Indianapolis at Denver, 4:25 PM ET
This game presents a dilemma. Denver holds a better record, yet if the Broncos falter and Miami triumphs over Houston, the Dolphins could edge closer.
On the flip side, considering Indy’s remaining schedule against the Titans, Giants, and Jaguars, a Colts sweep to finish at 10-7 is plausible. Should this occur, Houston becomes a more crucial target for Miami, given their upcoming duels with the Chiefs and Ravens.
Games Without Direct Impact on the Dolphins
For Miami supporters, certain games hold no direct playoff implications and can be savored for pure entertainment or fantasy football delights. Here’s the rest of Week 15’s lineup for completeness:
- Dallas at Carolina, Sunday, 1 PM ET
- N.Y.
Jets at Jacksonville, Sunday, 1 PM ET
- Washington at New Orleans, Sunday, 1 PM ET
- New England at Arizona, Sunday, 1 PM ET
- Green Bay at Seattle, Sunday, 8:20 PM ET
- Chicago at Minnesota, Monday, 8 PM ET
- Atlanta at Las Vegas, Monday, 8:30 PM ET
The Dolphins are keenly watching every game that can shape their destiny as they aim to keep their playoff dreams alive.