MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins’ playoff hopes have narrowed down to a straightforward scenario.
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After defeating the Cleveland Browns 20-3, the Dolphins improved to 8-8, sitting just one game behind the 9-7 Denver Broncos for the AFC’s final playoff spot.
Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley led his team to victory by throwing 22/26 with 225 yards along with one score each through the air and ground.
With a better record in conference games, Miami holds the tiebreaker over Denver if both teams finish 9-8.
To secure a postseason berth next weekend, the Dolphins need two outcomes:
- A win against the New York Jets.
- A Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While the Dolphins are currently 2.5 point favorites against the 4-12 Jets, relying on a Chiefs victory might be the bigger challenge.
Kansas City locked up the AFC’s No. 1 seed on Christmas with a 29-10 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, which means Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will likely rest all of his starters in Week 18.
That also leaves Miami’s fate partially in the hands of Chiefs backup quarterback Carson Wentz, who is expected to start against Denver.
NFL.com estimates the Dolphins have a 28% chance of making the playoffs.
If both Miami and Denver lose, the Cincinnati Bengals could claim the final AFC playoff spot instead.
If the Dolphins reach the playoffs they would face the Buffalo Bills in the first round on Jan. 11, 12, or 13. Buffalo secured the AFC’s No. 2 seed, while the Dolphins would enter as the seventh seed, setting up the matchup.
The top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs earned a first-round bye and would host Miami on Jan. 18 or 19 if the Dolphins win their opener in Buffalo.
In Week 17, Huntley started in place of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was ruled out with a hip injury. Head coach Mike McDaniel has not yet ruled if Tagovailoa will take the field in Week 18.
Kickoff from MetLife Stadium is set for 1 p.m. as the Dolphins go for the division sweep after defeating the Jets 32-26 in overtime on Dec. 8.
The game-winning OT score came after tight end Jonnu Smith caught Tagovailoa’s pass in the back corner of the end zone.