Dolphins Still Alive In Playoff Race
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins, led by a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback, have exceeded expectations this season and believe it or not, thanks to some bizarre circumstances; the Dolphins are still alive in the playoff hunt.
Technically, the Dolphins have a 2.3 percent chance of making the playoffs in 2012. The Fins will have to take care of their own business against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and next weekend in New England against the Patriots.
Assuming the Dolphins win both games, here's what else has to happen to get the Dolphins into the playoffs, according to ESPN.com: the Jets need to lose to the Chargers or Bills; the Bengals must lose to Pittsburgh and Baltimore; and then Pittsburgh must lose to Cleveland in Week 17.
Stranger things have happened, but it does give the Dolphins something to play for in the final two weeks of the season. The Fins will be playing a Buffalo team this weekend with nothing to play for but pride. Buffalo beat Miami earlier in the season in Buffalo.
Overall, the Dolphins have been above .500 just one this season and lost five of six games recently.
The Dolphins do have plenty to build on for the 2013 campaign. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill is rounding into a solid starting quarterback, the offensive line has promise with or without Jake Long, and the Fins defensive line will be solid again next season.
The Fins need to add playmakers at the wide receiver position to help stretch the field and could use another pass rusher and secondary help. But, even if the Dolphins finish with a sub-.500 record this season, Fins fans this year have something they've not felt in years…hope.
