The Indianapolis Colt’s 35-31 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday night moved one potential road block in the Dolphins path back to the playoffs.
Thanks to a better record in inter-conference play, the Jags (now 7-7) still held a tiebreaker over the Dolphins (7-6) despite Miami’s 14-10 victory at Jacksonville last Sunday. With a win on Sunday, the Dolphins can eradicate that advantage.
Denver (8-5) and Baltimore (7-6) currently lead the Dolphins in the battle for the AFC’s final two playoff spots. And the Dolphins trail New England (8-5) for the AFC East lead.
Here is a quick look at the current playoff picture.
| Division Leaders | Schedule |
| 1. Indianapolis (14-0) | NYJ, at BUF |
| 2. San Diego (10-3) | CIN, at TEN, WAS |
| 3. Cincinnati (9-4) | at SD, KC, at NYJ |
| 4. New England(8-5) | at BUF, JAX, at HOU |
| Wildcards | Schedule |
| 5. Denver (8-5) | OAK, at PHI, KC |
| 6. Baltimore (7-6) | Chicago, @PIT, @OAK |
| Miami (7-6) | @TEN, HOU, PIT |
| NY Jets (7-6) | ATL, @IND, CIN |
| Jacksonville (7-7) | at NE, at CLE |
| Houston (6-7) | at STL, at MIA, NE |
| Pittsburgh (6-7) | GB, BAL, at MIA |
| Tennessee (6-7) | MIA, SD, at SEA |
Realistically, the Dolphins need to win their final three games to have a shot at the playoffs. And they’ll need some help on top of that.
Here are the least complicated scenarios, none of which involve ties.
Dolphins (10-6) reach the playoffs if…
New England loses (1) game**
Baltimore loses (1) game
Denver loses to either OAK or KC
Cincinnati loses all remaining games
**Dolphins win AFC East
Dolphins (9-7) reach the playoffs if…
New England loses (2) games**
Baltimore loses (2) games
Denver loses to OAK and KC
Cincinnati loses all remaining games
**Dolphins win AFC East
If any one of the eight scenarios above plays out, the Dolphins are in the playoffs. And if the Dolphins win the AFC East, they will host a playoff game for the second consecutive season.
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