It’s the most wonderful time of the NFL year. Four teams have already punched their ticket to the postseason. The Miami Dolphins (10-4) can join them on Sunday — and their playoff scenarios are about as straightforward as they can get.
Both a spot in the dance and a guaranteed home playoff berth can be theirs if the following results go their way.
Week 16 Miami Dolphins Playoff Scenarios
As we detailed in this space on Sunday, the Dolphins’ Week 14 win over the New York Jets put Mike McDaniel’s bunch on the doorstep of their second straight playoff appearance. According to ESPN, the Dolphins are 99% to make the playoffs and 69% to win the division for the first time since 2008.
But even if Miami secures its spot this week, much work will remain. The Dolphins have their sights set on the AFC’s No. 1 seed and the first-round bye that comes with it.
Per ESPN, the Dolphins have a one-in-five chance to win the No. 1 seed, a 21% chance to get the 2, and a 24% chance to finish in the third spot. The Jaguars’ loss to the Ravens Sunday night upped the odds to 66% that whoever winsthe AFC South will go into the playoffs as the No. 4 seed.
If the Dolphins miss out on the AFC East, their most likely seeds as a Wild Card are the fifth (13%) and sixth (12%).
But that’s putting the cart well ahead of the horse. Priority No. 1 is getting in. Here’s how they can this week.
How the Miami Dolphins Can Clinch a Playoff Berth
Miami clinches a playoff berth in Week 16 with:
- MIA win OR
- MIA tie + JAX loss OR
- MIA tie + IND loss + HOU loss OR
- MIA tie + IND loss or tie + CLE loss OR
- MIA tie + HOU loss or tie + CIN loss or tie OR
- MIA tie + CIN loss or tie + IND loss or tie
How the Miami Dolphins Can Clinch the AFC East
Miami clinches AFC East division title in Week 16 with:
- MIA win + BUF loss or tie OR
- MIA tie + BUF loss
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