Everything the Dolphins need to make the playoffs next week, explained

The Miami Dolphins did themselves no favors in Week 17 following their loss to the New England Patriots. Here’s how they can make the playoffs in the regular-season finale.

The Miami Dolphins were in prime playoff position after Week 12, sitting at 8-3 on the season. They had since gone on a four-game losing streak heading into Week 17. The last thing they needed to happen was for them to lose to the rival New England Patriots.

But that’s exactly what happened.

The Dolphins were severely undermanned, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, left tackle Terron Armstead, linebacker Bradley Chubb, and cornerback Xavien Howard were ruled out for the game. Miami lost 23-21 to New England, as they watched backup Teddy Bridgewater exit with a finger injury and have to rely on third-stringer Skylar Thompson.

Miami’s path to the playoffs will require some help. Here’s what they need to happen in Week 18 to clinch a playoff spot.

How the Dolphins can make the playoffs after Week 18, explained

The Dolphins will need some help. As of this writing, the second half of the Sunday games in Week 17 have yet to be finalized. Even so, a New York Jets win over the Seattle Seahawks doesn’t play a significant role in their playoff livelihoods.

It’s pretty straightforward for Miami. They need to defeat the Jets in Week 18. But, that won’t be enough to make the playoffs. They will also need the rival Buffalo Bills to defeat the Patriots. If both of these results happen in Week 18, Miami will be in the playoffs.

If the Dolphins lose to the Jets in their regular-season finale, they will miss out on the playoffs.

These scenarios come courtesy of the New York Times’ NFL playoff simulator.

It will be interesting to see who will be on the field for the Dolphins in Week 18. Tagovailoa is dealing with another concussion this season, so it’s really uncertain whether he will be healthy enough to play in the regular-season finale. Plus, Bridgewater is dealing with a finger injury. There is a possibility that the Dolphins will have to start Thompson if neither Tagovailoa or Bridgewater are healthy enough to play.

For the Dolphins fanbase — you will need to cheer for both Miami and Buffalo to win in Week 18. If that happens, the Dolphins are playoff bound.