It would be so Miami Dolphins if they were the first ever 8th seed
By Matt Serniak
It’s been a really different last few days being a fan of the Miami Dolphins and the NFL. Since Damar Hamlin suffered that tragic cardiac issue on Monday night football, for me anyway, it just wasn’t the same this week being a fan of the Miami Dolphins.
I think a lot of that is because I am completely exhausted from being a fan of this team this year. That’s not to say that I am any less of a fan today than I was a few weeks ago. I’m saying that this team, once again, has made me a bit apathetic, and indifferent at the moment. I’m sure as we get closer to Sunday, I’ll get back in the mood.
First off, it’s great to hear that Damar Hamlin is progressing to the point where he is awake, clutching hands, and being a big more responsive. That was stellar news today.
Secondly, and this is something we’ve all been thinking about but what exactly is the NFL going to do with the Bills and Bengals in terms of playoff seeding and what might they do in general if they straight up cancel that game, which it appears they’re going to do?
Well, one of the potential ideas being thrown out there is quite radical and every bit very Miami Dolphins.
Here's a look at where things currently stand as to scheduling: 1. No Bills-Bengals game. 2. NFL figuring out what to do with AFC seeding. 3. Neutral site for AFC Championship is possible. 4. Expansion of playoff fields to 8 teams in AFC, NFC is possible. https://t.co/AYyELtmgn3
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 5, 2023
To me, there would be nothing more Miami Dolphins than them becoming the first 8th seed in NFL history.
Now do I think this is the route the NFL will take? I don’t. I just think the idea of adding extra playoff teams this close to the playoffs will be difficult to do and would cause a problem with other franchises. I mean I’m here for it, I just don’t think it will happen.
In this scenario, the Miami Dolphins would only have to beat the Jets on Sunday and the Bills beating the Patriots wouldn’t matter.
Obviously, this means the Dolphins still have to win, something that feels less likely to happen by the day. But, it looks like some of the players who didn’t play last week are going to be returning this week.
Xavien Howard and Chubb are back at practice. Tua hasn't advanced to the later stages of protocol, so he cannot be on the field. No Teron Armstead, Cedrick Wilson Jr.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 5, 2023
At this point, we’ll take all the decent players we can get.
What I think will happen in regards to the seeding and playoffs is that they will not play the Bills and Bengals and game and will instead do seeding by the percentage points. It’s one of those life isn’t fair types of things but that’s how I think it goes down. I don’t think they will push back the playoffs which would get rid of the bye week the week before the Super Bowl. Seems like too much to move around.
In the end, the Miami Dolphins have to care of business against the average at best Jets team. The Vegas line started in Miami’s favor but since it’s pretty much confirmed that it will be Skylar Thompson operating the controls, Las Vegas has come to the incredible conclusion that he won’t get it done even at home against Mike White.
It’s hard to say what kind of Buffalo Bills team you’re going to get when they play the Patriots. Ultra motivated or still processing everything that’s happened? Who knows?
By the Way- Want to know what would also be so Miami Dolphins? Getting stomped by the #2 seed while being the first ever 8 seed by whoever it is. That would be the ultimate Same Old Dolphins mantra.
By the Way again- Actually, the most Miami Dolphins thing would be for the 8th seed being announced before the game and then getting beat by the Jets. That’s the way this plays out if we’re living in that reality.
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