Miami Dolphins: AFC playoff picture and competition for the next four weeks
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins’ tough final stretch could leave the door open for a fringe team that has yet to be eliminated and still holding out hope.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are the only remaining team with a realistic shot at making the playoffs but their chances lie more with the Titans failing enough to steal the AFC South from them. At 5-8, the Jaguars could win out and still not make the playoffs as they need a lot of help. They can, however, spoil some other team’s chances.
- Cowboys
- @ Jets
- @ Texans
- Titans
For Miami Dolphins fans, the only game that really matters is the game against the Jets.
Beyond the Jaguars, the Dolphins own head-to-head tie-breakers with two of the remaining teams. The Browns and Steelers both have five wins but they face each other in the final week and the loser will be knocked out if they haven’t officially been before which is more likely. The chances of either team actually getting the breaks to go their way are slim…and nearly none.
Cleveland Browns
- Ravens
- Saints
- @ Commanders
- @ Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
- @ Panthers
- Raiders
- @ Ravens
- Browns
Finally, the Las Vegas Raiders, 5-8 are the last team with any real shot at a playoff birth and it really, like the Browns and Steelers, is only because mathematically there is still a chance. The Raiders are not a good football team and their schedule isn’t conducive to winning out.
- Patriots
- @ Pittsburgh
- 49ers
- Chiefs
While the Colts are still “technically” alive, at 4-8-1 they will likely be eliminated this weekend regardless of whether they win or lose.