The odds in the Miami Dolphins’ 2020 playoffs look much more favorable this Sunday afternoon, following an astonishing decision decision during the 16th week of the NFL early Sunday. Miami kicked off what is arguably the most beneficial individual week of the season, securing a miraculous victory over the Las Vegas Raiders 26-25 on Saturday night – pushing the team record to 10-5 with only one game left.
But Dolphins playoff odds were still dependent on winning at Buffalo during the Week 17 conflict; or at least they were until the end of the games at 1PM. Because the Cleveland Browns, who entered Week 16 with a 10-4 record and faced the New York Jets 1-13, lost 23-16. And the Indianapolis Colts, who also entered the weekend at 10-4, fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a 28-24 final – bringing a 17-point lead in the second half of the process.
This leaves the Dolphins, as things stand today, as the number 5 of the AFC – it is no longer on the edge of the playoff field that enters the last week of the season.
The Dolphins will now have four ways to reach the postseason in week 17:
Defeat Buffalo Bill to go 11-5
A Cleveland Browns loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers
A loss to the Baltimore Ravens against the Cincinnati Bengals
An Indianapolis Colts loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami, knowing they can win and participate, certainly helps the cause. But the Browns will face a Pittsburgh Steelers team that will fight the Buffalo Bills for AFC No. 2 – there will be enough to play in both Buffalo and Cleveland next weekend for the Bills and Steelers. So consider the game. And while Miami lost to the Bills in Week 2 without CB Byron Jones in the fight, the Browns lost 38-7 to the Steelers earlier this season. The odds suddenly feel much more in favor of the Dolphins.
Oh right. And, as if these extra event changes weren’t enough for the Dolphins, the Houston Texans lost to the Cincinnati Bengals this afternoon – pushing the first selection of the 2021 Miami NFL Draft into the top 5 overall, thanks to the Laremy transaction Tunsil The Texans will face the Tennessee Titans in Week 17, which is fighting for the playoff rankings and the AFC South division title. A loss to the Texans at the end of next week would block the Dolphins in the first 5 elections next April.
This is a nice bow to turn the events for the Dolphins in week 16.