Every die hard football fan looks for those strange scenarios that would enable their team to make it to the playoffs, even if the chance of the events actually happening is slim to none. This is what Dolphin’s fans are doing at this very moment.
The chances of the Dolphins making it into the playoffs is almost impossible, but not quite. First, they have to win their last two games of the season, which will be difficult as is. They will be playing the Buffalo Bills with home field advantage and then they will have their season closer against the Patriots. The reason fans are optimistic about potentially winning these two games is because the Bills are on a two game losing streak and the Patriots have already clinched the AFC East making it probable that they will bench their starters for the season closer. These two scenarios give the Dolphins at least a chance to win their last two games, that is if they keep their mistakes to a minimum and convert when they are in the red zone.
Not only does Miami have to win out their last two games, but they are relying on other teams to lose in one or more of their final games. The Jets MUST lose one of their final two games in order for Miami to have a chance at the wild card spot. The Jets are playing San Diego and then the Buffalo Bills. Right now, the Jets are not playing very well with a horrible running game and a high number of turnovers (in Monday’s game vs. the Titans the Jets turned the ball over 5 times), and they announced on Tuesday that they will be starting Greg McElroy at quarterback, who has thrown 7 passes in the NFL in his career.
If the Jets do lose one or both of their final two games, another component to Miami gaining the wild card spot is Cincinnati losing their final two games, which are against Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Baltimore is 9-5, but currently on a three game losing streak and Pittsburgh is 7-7 but have lost 4 of their last five, so that game is anyone’s guess. Pittsburgh has to beat the Bengals in order to keep their playoff dreams alive, so expect them to play tough football.
The final piece to Miami making the playoffs is a Pittsburgh loss to Cleveland in their season closer. Pittsburgh has an aging defense, but is still a good enough team to beat the struggling Cleveland Browns (5-11). Never count out an underdog though, the Brown may actually surprise us all.
Recap:
Dolphins must win their last two games AND
Jets need to lose one or both of their final games AND
Cincinnati must lose their final two games AND
Pittsburgh needs to lose to Cleveland
While this is a long shot, for all the Dolphin’s fans out there, this is the piece of hope to cling to in the upcoming weeks!
I can’t believe that I’m actually saying this but yes, this is very realistic. I think that the Steelers should beat the Bengals in Pittsburgh and that the Browns can beat the Steelers too. The Browns are a very underrated team who are playing for their coach and have already beaten the Steelers. Then again, I don’t know though because the game is in Pittsburgh. Anything can happen though.
As mentioned earlier, I have the Bengals losing to the Steelers and then their last game is at Baltimore and I think that’s a lost too.
It hurts to say it but I think that the Dolphins will take care of business vs. the Bills but the Patriots are going to be a tough test especially if the elements come into play. Belicheat doesn’t like to sit his players, he didn’t when they were 15-0 going into that game against the Giants back in 07′ so it’s going to be tough.
I think that the Dolphins have underachieved this year at times and they can have a much better record right now with a few more plays going there way. This team is on the rise though and it’s encouraging to their fans that they’re still mathematically alive in this thing. Kudos to them.