This is a moderated phorum for the CIVILIZED discussion of the Miami Dolphins. In this phorum, there are rules and moderators to make sure you abide by the rules. The moderators for this phorum are JC and Colonel.
As we probably all know, if Miami wins out they will will the Division and be in the Playoffs no matter what the Bill, Pats, and Jets do. If Miami losses a game (and more likely a Division Game) the road to the Playoff is much tougher.
at Buffalo 6-6
San Francisco 4-8
at Kansas City 2-10
at N.Y. Jets 8-4
Going 4-0 is ideal,
3-1 Miami has some slim opportunies to make the playoffs. If the loss is to division oponent it would make matter worse. (if they have to lose one game SF would be the best choice followed by kc) At 9-7 Miami chances are a miracle.
If Miami finishes 10-6
Indianapolis going to make the Playoffs as Wild Card
Cincinnati 1-10-1
Detroit 0-12
at Jacksonville 4-7
Tennessee 11-1 (and most likely a resting team)
Indy has a the Conference Tiebreaker and would have to lose 3 of the 4 games.
Baltimore 8-4
Washington 7-5
Pittsburgh 9-3
at Dallas 8-4
Jacksonville 4-7
FOr Miami to be a wild card, they need Baltimore to finish 9-7 (losing 3 of 4 games), because of a head to head win over Miami. Its a tough schedule and could happen, this make me nervous, Washington is been playing average (3-4 it last 7) One upset and a beating Jacksonville has them in.
In addition to this senario Miami also has to have NE lose a game or more likely 2 and Bufalo would need to lose a game.
NE Schedule
Seattle 2-10
at Oakland 3-9
Arizona 7-5
at Buffalo 6-6
If Miami loses a division game, they will need to have NE lose to Bufalo or lose 2 games. In the right combination of losses NE and Miami tie breaker could be the strength of Victory.
Another Senario at 10-6 is winning the Division.
Jets
at San Francisco 4-8
Buffalo 6-6
at Seattle 2-10
Miami 7-5
If the Jets lose their two games, Miami could get in with a tie breaker with the Jets. (assuming they both have the same divison record) Again the Patriots and Jets could play into tie breakers.
The Bills aren't often mention, but they can make the Playoffs and could play a big roll as spoiler as they play all 3 AFC East teams. The Bill can still win the Division if they win out and Miami beat the Jets. They do have a tough schedule and I doubt that will happen it possibility.
Miami 7-5
at N.Y. Jets 8-4
at Denver 7-5
New England 7-5
Great win for Miami and they still control their own destiny. It was fortunate to have the Jets get upset and New England was almost upset by the Seahawks (They need a 4th and goal with a little over 2 mintures to win that game). New England also sustained a few more defensive injuries.
Baltimore win over the Redskin, has made it very difficult for Miami to get in the playoffs as wild card, Balitmore or Indy would have to lose 3 in a row for Miami to get in. A mathematical posibilty, but it's unprobable.
I will go through AFC East ramifications if Miami falters and loses a game and finishes 10-6.
If Miami loses to San Fransisco. They need to have New England lose one game.
If Miami Loses to Kansas City, they need to have New England lose game and preferable not Arizona (or lose 2 games). If New England Loses to Arizona the tiebreaker would be strength of Victory, New England currently has an advatage of 26 points on that tie breaks.
If Miami loses to the New Jets. The need New York Jets to lose 2 games and New England to lose against Bufalo or lose 2 games.
Indy won, so one wild card spot is out. Baltimore lost to Pittsburg so their is still a faint hope of that Wild Card spot, Baltimore has to lose its next two games. (BTW Baltimore looked really tough in the loss to Pittsburg)
Next week it doesn't matter what the Patriots or Jets do (win or lose) in terms of Miami's playoff chances.
If Miami happens to be upset and lose to KC. They would have to have New England lose to Bill in the last week and beat the Jets to win the Division.
If Miami loses to Jets in the finale, the only way Miami would get into the playoff is if New England lost to Buffalo and Baltimore lost its last 2 games.