Miami Dolphins Week 14 Playoff Implication Games

In less than 24 hours the AFC will wrap up it’s week 14 schedule and the Miami Dolphins fans will be studying the games to see who lost what and where the Dolphins finish the weekend. Miami enters the game holding a slim grasp on the 6th seed for the playoffs but that is because of tie breaking procedures and not record entirely. The Dolphins face perhaps their toughest and most important game of the season. This game is so important that losing next week to New England could have less impact on the teams chances of making the playoffs than a loss this week and a win next.

It’s all about tie breakers and with the Dolphins having a shot to knock off another playoff contender the road to the post-season will be a little bit more cleared of debris. Here is a look at the week 14 games that will have impacts on the Dolphins post-season opportunity regardless of win/loss.

Baltimore vs. Miami

Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker

(57) gets introduced prior to the game against the San Diego Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

This is a no-brainer honestly but I wanted to kick-off the games with the most obvious. Miami is facing a team that can run the ball and pass the ball while playing good defense. While the Ravens are stout up front defensively they have a lot of issues in the secondary so giving Ryan Tannehill time to throw will be imperative. The Ravens boast a strong pass rush and the Dolphins have offensive line questions after injuries have taken out a couple of starters forcing the Dolphins to change things around.

The Dolphins secondary is in decent but not great shape and that is only because of Brent Grimes but the Ravens will likely take advantage of inexperience and see what R.J. Stanford can bring in his 2nd week as a starting CB. Stanford spent training camp with the Dolphins and was signed last week ahead of the New York Jets game. It will be a huge opportunity for Stanford to prove that he can play at this level and if he does it will be a huge step forward for a guy everyone considers to be nothing more than a special teamer and project.

For the Ravens the game is about making the playoffs as with the Miami Dolphins. Both teams come in at 7-5 and a loss by the Ravens will all but take them out of contention for their division as they sit behind Cincinnati. The game has a playoff feel for both teams so expect both teams to come out trying to establish themselves early.