The Miami Dolphins‘ rollercoaster 2024 NFL season is reaching a important juncture because the staff fights to maintain its playoff hopes alive. Regardless of beginning the 12 months with a dismal 2-6 document, Miami stays within the race for the AFC’s ultimate Wild Card spot heading into Week 17.
Nonetheless, their destiny is now not solely of their palms, and a sequence of outcomes should go their option to safe postseason rivalry.
Bengals’ Win Retains Dolphins’ Goals Alive
Heading into the weekend, the Dolphins had been two video games behind the Denver Broncos, who held the ultimate Wild Card place. A Broncos win in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night time might have crushed Miami‘s probabilities earlier than they even took the sphere on Sunday.
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Fortuitously for the Dolphins, the Bengals delivered a dramatic 30-24 additional time victory, preserving Miami’s playoff aspirations intact.
Tyreek Hill, the Dolphins’ star wide receiver, wasted no time rallying his staff after the Bengals‘ win.
Taking to social media, he shared a transparent message: “Let’s deal with enterprise guys.” Earlier within the day, Hill had overtly rooted for Cincinnati, posting the Bengals‘ signature “#WHODEY” chant in a present of help.
What Miami Must Make the Playoffs
For the Dolphins to assert the ultimate AFC playoff spot, a number of eventualities must play out over the subsequent two weeks. At first, Miami should win their remaining video games in opposition to the Cleveland Browns and the New York Jets. Moreover, they will need assistance from different groups:
- The Broncos should lose to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
- The Indianapolis Colts must drop not less than certainly one of their two remaining video games, both in opposition to the New York Giants or the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Complicating issues, Miami could must safe not less than certainly one of their wins with out beginning quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who’s listed as uncertain for Sunday’s sport in opposition to Cleveland.
Hill’s Feedback Draw Blended Reactions
Whereas Hill‘s motivational message to his teammates was supposed to impress the squad, his public help for the Bengals sparked debate amongst followers. Some appreciated his transparency and team-first mentality, whereas others criticized the optics of rooting for one more franchise so overtly.
Whatever the controversy, Hill‘s focus is on serving to the Dolphins safe a spot within the postseason, an achievement that after appeared unattainable after their poor begin.
With two video games left and their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, Miami should capitalize on their alternative and hope the celebrities align of their favor.
The Dolphins‘ battle for the postseason is much from over, however Tyreek Hill’s message has made one factor clear: this staff continues to be within the sport, and so they’re not giving up with out a battle.