Week 17 Matters….Finally!

In 2003, the Miami Dolphins finished the season 10-3. It would be the last full season under Dave Wannstedt and the last time in 5 years that the Dolphins were staring at a week 17 game that actually mattered.

The 2003 Dolphins failed to make the playoffs and history may repeat itself this year. The Dolphins may finish 10-6 and be outside looking in. Perhaps it would be a fitting end to 5 years of boredom and hell. 11-5 and Miami hosts their first playoff game since their last playoff appearance way back in 2001 when they lost 20-3 to the Baltimore Ravens. Ironically, it could be the Ravens who return to Miami should the Dolphins win the division.

While nothing is for certain in the NFL, there is one thing that no one can take away from this team. Week 17 will indeed matter. Whether the Phins need help or they control their own fate, the rematch vs. the Jets will decide the fate of the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots.

The Phins can lose to the Kansas City Chiefs and still have a shot at the division regardless of whether the Jets lose in Seattle or not. They will however need the New England Patriots to drop one of their remaining games. If the Dolphins and Jets both win this weekend, the Patriots only chance at a playoff spot will be through the wildcard entry and they will be watching the Baltimore Ravens with a keen eye.

The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since their 2000 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in round 1 8 seasons ago. They got eliminated by the Raiders the following week. It’s unfamiliar territory for a team that has been absent from the post-season for so long after decades of being the shoe-in.

Most fans and media guru’s expected the Phins to win 6 games and at best go 8-8. Instead, they guaranteed themselves only their second winning season since 2003 and the other 9-7 season was in Nick Saban’s first year when the Fins ran off 6 straight wins to seal the season. They never really were in contention for a playoff spot that season after starting 3-7.

Statistics are fun to look at and it goes without saying that playing the scenario cards over and over in your head are sometimes fun and stressful at the same time. One thing is for certain, they keep you up at night thinking about them and if your losing sleep because of it, just remember you got plenty of rest over the last 6 years.