What the Miami Dolphins must do to advance to the NFL Playoffs
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In Week 13, the Miami Dolphins jumped up three places in the AFC playoff picture and into top spot after a comfortable win over the Washington Commanders.
That big rise came as a result of the Baltimore Ravens’ bye week and surprise defeats for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, the Dolphins have a greater than 99% chance of reaching the playoffs – according to The New York Times – and can guarantee a postseason venture with just one more win.
That win has to specifically be against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. Miami could lose its next four game as long as they beat Josh Allen and co. in the final week of the regular season.
Miami’s earliest chance to seal a playoff spot will come in Week 15. If the Dolphins win their next two games and the Bills slip up against the Kansas City Chiefs or Dallas Cowboys then Miami is going to the postseason.
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NFL Monday Night Football Preview for Week 14 Tennessee Titans vs. Miami Dolphins
This week in the NFL we will be heading to South to watch the Miami Dolphins take on the Tennessee Titans. Miami has been on a tear as of late, they destroyed the Commanders 45-15 and are looking to do the exact same against a struggling Titans team. Tennessee is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the Colts in overtime 31-28. They are going on the road to a hostel environment where Miami has seen a ton of success this season not dropping a game at home this year.
Miami is now 9-3 on the year and are the #1 seed in the AFC. They are on a 3 game win streak and they will look to continue their success at home. Tua and the Dolphin offense continue to roll offensively and that did not stop against Washington. They put up 406 total yards and 45 points (31 in the first half). Their defense even added to the mix with a pick six thanks to Andrew Van Ginkel who has stepped up with the loss of star pass rusher Jalen Phillips.
Miami is currently on a roll, but their season is far from done. Their next three games will be against Dallas, Baltimore, and Buffalo. Fortunately for them, four of their next five games are at home. These games are critical for their confidence as they try to debunk the myth that they can’t beat good teams and gain momentum heading into the playoffs. It all comes down to how they perform against the “better” teams. Which, to me, is a ridiculous assertion. Yes, there are awful teams in the NFL, but it’s still a “any given Sunday” mentality in which you may lose any week regardless of who you play.
Tennessee will have their hands full this week. They have been unsuccessful offensively and defensively. Not exactly the way you want to be playing against an AFC powerhouse like Miami. With Derrick Henry and Tajae Sharpe, they will have to rely heavily on the run game.
With Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard in the secondary, I don’t see Will Levis having a productive passing game. Miami should throw an interception or two. I’m not sure how Derrick Henry isn’t in the concussion protocol after a devastating hit last Sunday, but Head Coach Mike Vrabel claimed he’ll be ready for practice this week.
With Miami being undefeated at home this season and Tennessee failing, Miami should win by a large margin. If I had to guess the score, I’d say 38-10. I believe the Miami defense will have another strong game in which they will pressure Levis into making off-time throws. Tua will have another game like the one he had against Washington and build his case for NFL MVP.
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