Miami Dolphins fans gameday playoff guide to today’s games
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have a crucial but not a “lose and your out” game today against the Vikings. No matter what happens other games have implications as well.
When the Miami Dolphins kick-off in Minnesota today it could be one of the biggest games of the season but if the Dolphins lose they will not be mathematically out of the playoff chase but it could be a lot harder to get into the post-season.
The Dolphins need to win today and give themselves an opportunity to control their own destiny. If certain things happen around the NFL today, Miami could emerge as the lone team sitting in the 6th seed.
Last night the Browns beat the Broncos and in doing so handed Denver a big loss in a conference game. Conference records are important for tie-breakers between teams that did not have head to head games. The Broncos were already one game back and the teams at 7-6 can now put a two game cushion on the Broncos with wins today.
In order for Miami to make the post-season they can not finish in a head-to-head tie with just Indianapolis. They will need at least one more team in order to win the spot based on conference record.
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Giants
The Titans and Giants kick-off at 1:00 and at 7-6 the Titans are hoping to keep pace in the AFC wild card chase. The Giants are playing better football but the Titans should have the upper hand. Playing against them however will be the away crowd in New York. A loss by the Titans won’t eliminate them from the 6th seed chase but it will deliver a blow to their chances. More importantly it might take away a third team tie breaking scenario.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts
Of the other three 7-6 teams, the Colts game is the one to keep the bigger eye on. The Colts have head-to-head advantage over Miami and a loss today coupled with a win by the Dolphins would put Miami one game up and put some control in their hands. The Cowboys have a very good defense but how well they match-up against the surging Andrew Luck will be an interesting situation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens currently hold the 6th seed by virtue of a better conference record. A loss coupled with a Dolphins win would put Miami in the 6th seed provided the Colts lose or both the Colts and Titans win. As stated above, the Colts have the advantage head to head so if both Miami and the Colts win and the other teams lose, the Colts move into the 6th seed but if the Titans win as well it is a three-way tie. If all four teams win the standings will stay the same.
New England vs. Pittsburgh
If you are still in the “Miami can win the division” camp then this game is a must win for the Steelers. Miami is still two games back of the Patriots and a win today and a loss by New England would give the Patriots only a one game lead.
The Patriots would need to two of their final three games and the Dolphins would have to win all of their remaining three. The Patriots play the Bills and Jets to close out the season and neither are a threat to beat the Patriots but then again, Miami wasn’t supposed to be either.
On the other hand, a loss by the Steelers and a win by the Ravens moves the Ravens to the top of the division and if the Dolphins win the Steelers would drop below them and possibly below the other 7-8 teams if they win. This could be a fun afternoon game to keep and eye on.
No conference record changes today
In a bit of NFL irony, none of the four 7-6 teams will have their conference records changed today as all four teams play out of conference games.