Miami Dolphins cling to playoff dreams as Week 14 matchups loom
The Miami Dolphins find themselves in a precarious position as they ride the momentum of a three-game winning streak. While this surge has not yet secured their spot in the playoffs, it has kept their hopes alive, allowing them to remain within striking distance of the postseason. With the playoffs still a possibility, the Dolphins will be closely monitoring the outcomes of their rivals across the AFC.
Currently sitting at 11th in the AFC standings, the Dolphins trail the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs by just one game, and are two games behind the Houston Texans. However, the road to the playoffs becomes steeper as they look up at the three teams currently occupying the wild-card positions: the L.A. Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills. For Miami to have a realistic shot at postseason play, they will likely need to win at least four of their final five games, all while hoping for favorable outcomes from other teams.
Dolphins’ rooting guide for Week 14
As the Dolphins prepare for a critical stretch, here are the matchups they will be keeping a keen eye on this weekend:
1. Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Bengals are in the hunt for a playoff spot, primarily through winning the AFC North, which doesn’t directly impact the Dolphins. However, a loss for Buffalo could significantly benefit Miami’s playoff standing.
2. Philadelphia Eagles at L.A. Chargers, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET
An interconference matchup always sparks interest. The Dolphins would favor an Eagles win here, as it would help diminish the Chargers’ chances.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
With both teams tied in record, the outcome may seem inconsequential. Yet, Miami’s previous loss to Baltimore and their upcoming matchup against Pittsburgh makes this a game worth watching closely.
4. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
The Dolphins are unlikely to catch the Broncos in the standings, but a Raiders win would be a non-factor in the playoff race and could potentially shift dynamics later on.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
The Colts hold a prior victory over the Dolphins this season, but their challenging schedule and injured quarterback might work in Miami’s favor.
6. Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
This matchup is pivotal as both teams are potential roadblocks for the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations, making it a tough call for fans to decide whom to root for.
Games of little consequence for Miami
While some matchups hold greater significance for the Dolphins, others are merely for entertainment or fantasy football interests. Here’s the slate of games that won’t directly impact Miami’s playoff hopes:
Seattle Seahawks at Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
L.A. Rams at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
AFC playoff hopefuls and their remaining schedules
As the Dolphins assess the playoff landscape, it’s essential to consider the remaining schedules of other AFC contenders:
1. New England Patriots (11-2) — bye, Buffalo, at Baltimore, at N.Y. Jets, Miami
2. Denver Broncos (10-2) — at Las Vegas, Green Bay, Jacksonville, at Kansas City (TNF), L.A. Chargers
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4) — Indianapolis, N.Y. Jets, at Denver, at Indianapolis, Tennessee
4. Baltimore Ravens (6-6) — Pittsburgh, at Cincinnati, New England, at Green Bay, at Pittsburgh
5. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) — Philadelphia (MNF), at Kansas City, at Dallas, Houston, at Denver
6. Indianapolis Colts (8-4) — at Jacksonville, at Seattle, San Francisco (MNF), Jacksonville, at Houston
7. Buffalo Bills (8-4) — Cincinnati, at New England, at Cleveland, Philadelphia, N.Y. Jets
8. Houston Texans (7-5) — at Kansas City (SNF), Arizona, Las Vegas, at L.A. Chargers, Indianapolis
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) — at Baltimore, Miami (MNF), at Detroit, at Cleveland, Baltimore
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6) — Houston (SNF), L.A. Chargers, at Tennessee, Denver (TNF), at Las Vegas
11. Miami Dolphins (5-7) — N.Y. Jets, at Pittsburgh (MNF), Cincinnati (SNF), Tampa Bay, at New England
The next few weeks will be critical for the Dolphins as they navigate their path to the playoffs. With each game, the stakes grow higher, and the pressure mounts. Every scoreboard will matter as Miami fights to keep their playoff dreams alive.
