Two ways the Dolphins can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17
Plenty of questions lie ahead for the Miami Dolphins, who are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The status of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa appears to be up in the air for the team’s Week 17 matchup on the road against the New England Patriots. With or without Tagovailoa under center […]
Plenty of questions lie ahead for the Miami Dolphins, who are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
The status of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa appears to be up in the air for the team’s Week 17 matchup on the road against the New England Patriots. With or without Tagovailoa under center the Dolphins will have an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday.
In fact, there are two scenarios in which Miami advances to the postseason. Both scenarios include the New York Jets, who hit the road to face the Seattle Seahawks this weekend.
Road to the Playoffs
The first path to the postseason for the Dolphins requires a win over the Patriots along with a Jets loss or tie.
The second way for the Dolphins to clinch is with a tie. Not only would Miami need to tie New England, but they would need a Jets loss coupled with a Steelers loss or tie. The Steelers go on the road to square off with the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
A Dolphins win obviously goes a long way. If Miami can’t get the help it needs this weekend, but takes care of business on its own, the road sets up nicely for the Dolphins to secure a Wild Card spot in Week 18.
What Miami does not want to happen is a loss and a Jets win. That would put the team in a precarious position in the regular season finale with the Jets coming to town. As of now, the Dolphins’ biggest priority is the health of Tagovailoa.
Featured image via Sam Navarro – USA TODAY Sports
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