The Miami Dolphins need a lot of outside help to make the AFC playoffs. But before they can rely on others, they have to take care of their own business.
With no room for mistakes, the Dolphins (7-8) need a win over the Browns (3-12) on Sunday to stay in the playoff race for at least one more week. The Browns’ season fell apart weeks ago, and they’re now looking ahead to another tough offseason.
For Miami, this game is another must-win, just like last week when they defeated San Francisco. However, with only two games left, their playoff chances are hanging by a thread.
There are several possible ways the Dolphins could still make the playoffs, but all of them start with wins against Cleveland and the New York Jets (4-11) next week. They’ll also need some help, including losses by the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos.
The Chargers (9-6) and Broncos (9-6) both play on Saturday, and if they win, the Dolphins could be out of playoff contention before their game even begins.
Their chances are slim—around 10%, according to playoff projections—but coach Mike McDaniel believes his players are staying focused and determined.
“Focus shouldn’t be an issue,” McDaniel said. “This team, what they’ve really gone through and fought for, it’s not a difficult task seeing how we have a one-game season and our chances at the playoffs are at stake.
That has been a driving force—for our locker room and our coaching staff. We really want to play the type of football that we felt like we fell short of at portions of the season.”
Like many teams, the Dolphins have had their highs and lows. If they miss the playoffs, their 2-6 start will be a major regret.
Despite their low chances, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said he and his teammates should be thankful for the opportunity.
“It’s an opportunity and I don’t think any of us on our team should take this for granted,” Tagovailoa said. “This is something that we’ve worked extremely hard for, to be in the positions that we’re in now, to be able to play in the NFL.
That in itself has been a dream, so for you to short-circuit yourself and be like, ‘Oh, no, we’ll get it next year,’ well, how do you even know that there is going to be a next year for your career or there’s going to be a next game for you? You just never know when you’re weighing out those options.”
The Browns are finishing a season full of disappointment. This was supposed to be the year they made progress toward a championship. Instead, their season has gone backward.
It will be the second straight start for quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who threw two interceptions, was sacked five times, and only helped the Browns score once in last week’s 24-6 loss to Cincinnati.
Before that game, Thompson-Robinson said he viewed the final three games as an audition for next season. He’s had another full week to prepare and said he won’t use his inexperience as an excuse anymore.
“I’m not going to use that as an excuse anymore,” said Thompson-Robinson, who has been dealing with a calf strain. “This isn’t my first time playing. I’m not a rookie no more, so I can’t use that as an excuse. I got to go out there and be able to execute, and when things don’t go right, don’t make a bad play worse.”
