The Dolphins made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, but their postseason chances in 2024 are hanging on by aa thread. Miami is one of three teams who enter this week at 6-8 and 2.5 games out of a playoff spot.
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At one point this season, Miami was 2-6 and well out of playoff position. Since then, however, the Dolphins have won six of their last eight games to at least give themselves an opportunity to make the playoffs this year.
The Dolphins play their final home game of the season this week, as they host the 49ers in Miami. Afterwards, the Dolphins go on the road in their last two games this year, but both of those games are against teams with at least 10 losses.
Here is where the Dolphins' playoff picture stands with three weeks left in the regular season.
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Dolphins playoff picture
The Dolphins have already been eliminated from AFC East contention, so their only chance to make the playoffs is by earning a wild-card spot.
AFC wild-card standings
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 5. | Baltimore Ravens | 9-5 |
| 6. | Los Angeles Chargers | 9-6 |
| 7. | Denver Broncos | 9-6 |
| 8. | Indianapolis Colts | 6-8 |
| 9. | Miami Dolphins | 6-8 |
| 10. | Cincinnati Bengals | 6-8 |
The Ravens can clinch a playoff spot with one win in the final three weeks, beginning with their game on Saturday against the Steelers. Since the Chargers beat the Broncos on Thursday night, Denver couldn't clinch a playoff spot ion their own accord this week.
However, Miami still needs to beat the 49ers on Sunday to have any chance at making the postseason. Both Denver and Los Angeles can still clinch a spot this week with a combination of losses by the Colts, Dolphins and Bengals, so Miami needs to win to keep their season alive.
Even if none of the Ravens, Broncos and Chargers clinch a playoff spot this weekend, they can all do so with a win next weekend.
Dolphins remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| Dec. 22 | vs. San Francisco 49ers | 4:25 p.m. ET |
| Dec. 29 | @ Cleveland Browns | 4:05 p.m. ET |
| Jan. 5 | @ New York Jets | TBD |
The Dolphins close the season against three teams who each have a record under .500, giving Miami some hope that they can win out. In order to make the playoffs, the Dolphins likely have to beat the 6-8 49ers at home, along with going on the road to win against the 3-11 Browns and 4-10 Jets.
Dolphins updated playoff chances
According to ESPN's Football Power Index, the Dolphins have a 3.7% chance of making the playoffs, which is behind Cincinnati but ahead of Indianapolis entering Week 5.
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