Well it has been 10 weeks, and the Fins are a step behind last year, but still in position to make a run at the playoffs. After a 0-3 start, the team has rallied behind 2nd year QB Chad Henne to go 4-2, and has a HUGE showdown with Carolina on a short week to get back to .500. This is all you can ask for as a Fins fan after the start we endured. Anyway, here is a look at the Playoff Picture in the AFC, and what the Fins need to do to make the playoffs.
Division Leaders
Colts - 9-0
Bengals - 7-2
Broncos - 6-3
Patriots - 6-3
Wildcard Leaders
Steelers - 6-3
Chargers - 6-3
Others in the Hunt
Jags - 5-4
Texans - 5-4
Ravens - 5-4 (assuming their win tonight)
Dolphins - 4-5
Jets - 4-5
Titans - 3-6
Bills - 3-6
As far as the division goes, it is still wide open. The Dolphins playoff hopes will be decided within the next 3 weeks I believe. The Carolina game is NOT a must win (NFC opponent) . . . but losing this Thursday would make the rest of the games MUST wins for Miami. The Patriots have to play a rival but reeling Jets team, followed by a undefeated Saints team, and then they must come down to Landshark on SUNDAY NIGHT, first week of December and play a Fins team that hopes to be above .500, or AT worst 5-6 (loss to Carolina/win at Buffalo . . . Buffalo a must win to keep up the division record). Hopes are that Miami is only one game behind when they play those Pats. Beating Buffalo and New England would guarantee Miami the best division record and own all tiebreaks in the division.
The only loss that is really hurting us "wildcard wise" is the Chargers loss. We need to hope they beat the Broncos next week and go on and win that division like we all assumed they would.
With the stretch of easy games the Bengals have, its unfortunate but it looks like they will be a playoff team. 10-2 looks very promising, plus they own tiebreaks over Steelers and Ravens.
Assuming they (Bengals) win the division and we don't win our division . . . that leaves one playoff wildcard spot left . . . amongst the Steelers, Ravens, Texans, Jags, Jets/Pats and Titans . . . not good and not the situation we want. Only week 10, and I am already saying we HAVE to win the division to MAKE the playoffs.
The good thing is . . . we still play Pittsburgh, Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee . . . so we truly control our own destiny, and all we can ask for as a chance, week 17, at home vs. Pittsburgh, to make it in the playoffs.
Honestly, more than likely these next 3 weeks will determine the Fins faith. By the end of the New England game. . . we will know alot more about this Dolphin team and their future.
Division Leaders
Colts - 9-0
Bengals - 7-2
Broncos - 6-3
Patriots - 6-3
Wildcard Leaders
Steelers - 6-3
Chargers - 6-3
Others in the Hunt
Jags - 5-4
Texans - 5-4
Ravens - 5-4 (assuming their win tonight)
Dolphins - 4-5
Jets - 4-5
Titans - 3-6
Bills - 3-6
As far as the division goes, it is still wide open. The Dolphins playoff hopes will be decided within the next 3 weeks I believe. The Carolina game is NOT a must win (NFC opponent) . . . but losing this Thursday would make the rest of the games MUST wins for Miami. The Patriots have to play a rival but reeling Jets team, followed by a undefeated Saints team, and then they must come down to Landshark on SUNDAY NIGHT, first week of December and play a Fins team that hopes to be above .500, or AT worst 5-6 (loss to Carolina/win at Buffalo . . . Buffalo a must win to keep up the division record). Hopes are that Miami is only one game behind when they play those Pats. Beating Buffalo and New England would guarantee Miami the best division record and own all tiebreaks in the division.
The only loss that is really hurting us "wildcard wise" is the Chargers loss. We need to hope they beat the Broncos next week and go on and win that division like we all assumed they would.
With the stretch of easy games the Bengals have, its unfortunate but it looks like they will be a playoff team. 10-2 looks very promising, plus they own tiebreaks over Steelers and Ravens.
Assuming they (Bengals) win the division and we don't win our division . . . that leaves one playoff wildcard spot left . . . amongst the Steelers, Ravens, Texans, Jags, Jets/Pats and Titans . . . not good and not the situation we want. Only week 10, and I am already saying we HAVE to win the division to MAKE the playoffs.
The good thing is . . . we still play Pittsburgh, Houston, Jacksonville, Tennessee . . . so we truly control our own destiny, and all we can ask for as a chance, week 17, at home vs. Pittsburgh, to make it in the playoffs.
Honestly, more than likely these next 3 weeks will determine the Fins faith. By the end of the New England game. . . we will know alot more about this Dolphin team and their future.
