So here's the playoff picture, with an important game tonight that will have implications for the Dolphins should the Packers defeat the 6-5 Ravens.
DIVISION
The Patriots (7-5) currently have a one game lead over the Dolphins (6-6). The Jets (6-6) are in third because they were swept by the Dolphins, and are two games behind the Pats because of their 2-4 divisional record; the Jets must finish with a better overall record in order to overtake the Dolphins or Patriots. This means the Jets are all but out of the divisional picture.
Here's how the tiebreakers currently apply for the Dolphins and Patriots for the AFC East title:
- Head-to-head: Split
- Division record: Dolphins 4-2, Pats 3-2 (Pats @ Bills in two weeks)
- Common games: Dolphins 5-4, Pats 5-4
- Conference games: Dolphins 4-4, Pats 5-4
- Strength of victory: Dolphins .403, Pats .410
WILD CARD
The Dolphins (6-6), Broncos (8-4), Jaguars (7-5), Ravens (6-5), Steelers (6-6), and Jets (6-6) are all in the running for two wildcard berths. The Titans and Texans (both 5-7) are on the bubble.
The Dolphins have games remaining at Jaguars (next opponent) and at Titans, followed by two home matches versus the Texans and the Steelers. The Dolphins
must defeat the Jaguars this Sunday (1pm ET, CBS) to maintain a realistic shot at a wildcard; the Dolphins would gain the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Jags. The Dolphins will also need help to pass the Broncos and Ravens by; a win tonight by the Packers over the Ravens would be a good start.
