The Miami Dolphins’ 2023 season appeared to be over when they fell to a dismal 2-6 start in early November, despite the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa from a concussion. A record like that typically signals the end of playoff hopes in the highly competitive NFL. However, the team’s resilience and determination shone through as they clawed their way back into contention with a 5-2 run, bringing their record to 7-8 and keeping their postseason dreams alive ahead of their Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
To make the playoffs, the Dolphins face a steep uphill battle. They must win their final two games, a tall order but not impossible considering their opponents are the struggling Cleveland Browns (3-12) and New York Jets (4-11). While these games are winnable on paper, Tagovailoa’s health remains a significant variable, complicating the Dolphins’ ability to secure those critical victories. Even if they achieve this, their playoff fate hinges not only on their own performance but also on a series of favorable outcomes across the league.
Key among those external factors is a Denver Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18. While a Chiefs victory might seem likely given their 15-1 record, Kansas City has already clinched the AFC West and the conference’s No. 1 seed. This could lead to the team resting key players, introducing uncertainty into the Dolphins’ hopes. Additionally, the Dolphins need the Indianapolis Colts, who hold a tiebreaker over Miami due to a head-to-head win, to lose at least one of their remaining games against either the lowly New York Giants or Jacksonville Jaguars.
The path forward for Miami is riddled with challenges, particularly because they do not control their own destiny. Their reliance on the outcomes of multiple games around the league highlights how precarious their situation is. Despite the long odds, the team’s resurgence since their poor start demonstrates their grit and determination, qualities that will be tested further in their final two games.
For Dolphins fans, the mere fact that their team remains in the playoff hunt is cause for cautious optimism. Although their chances are slim and depend on several favorable outcomes, a win in Week 17 against the Browns would keep their hopes alive and ensure an intriguing finish to the regular season. While improbable, the Dolphins’ playoff aspirations are not yet extinguished, providing an exciting, albeit stressful, conclusion to their season.
