Fins Need Just Two More Wins To Make Playoffs
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins path to the playoffs is simple, win the final two games against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets and the Fins are in.
After Miami's thrilling victory over the New England Patriots; and the Pittsburgh Steelers beating the Cincinnati Sunday night, Miami controls its own destiny. If the Fins and Ravens win out, both will finish with a 10-6 record.
In a normal tiebreaker, Miami would lose the final playoff spot to the Ravens thanks to Baltimore's victory over the Fins earlier this season. But the Ravens and the AFC North division are changing the tiebreakers at this point in the season.
The Ravens play the Bengals in the season finale and if Baltimore wins out; Baltimore and Cincinnati would finish 10-6, assuming Cincinnati beats Minnesota next Sunday. In this scenario, Baltimore and Miami hold tiebreakers over Cincinnati thanks to victories over the Bengals.
On the other hand, if Baltimore loses to Detroit, New England, or Cincinnati; the Ravens can finish with a record no better than 9-7. If Miami wins against Buffalo and the Jets, Miami would finish 10-6, all alone in the final playoff spot.
And believe it or not, Miami could still theoretically win the AFC East if the Patriots lose their final two games against Baltimore and Buffalo, and Miami wins its final two games.
Miami's final two games against Buffalo and New York are winnable and if the Fins can take both games; Miami will enter the playoffs on a five-game winning streak and winners of seven of their final nine games.
In other words, Miami will be peaking at the perfect time this season.
(h/t to Miami Herald's Barry Jackson for the playoff scenarios)
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