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Here are the scenarios in which the Miami Dolphins make the playoffs

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins’ 2022 season has been a roller coaster. For a moment, it seemed like the team could contend for the top spot in the AFC East.

But heading into its final game of the regular season, Miami needs some help to even capture the No. 7 seed in the AFC.

At least all is not lost for the squad. If they win and the New England Patriots lose to the Buffalo Bills, the Dolphins will punch a ticket to the playoffs.

Miami Dolphins playoff scenarios

Taking care of business

First of all, Miami will need to take care of business at home on Sunday. The organization will be facing off against the New York Jets, who have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Even so, the Jets are still expected to put up a fight.

Finding a way to win might prove to be a tall task for the Dolphins. Head coach Mike McDaniel has already announced that rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson will start in place of Tua Tagovailoa, who was unable to recover from a concussion in time for the Week 18 bout.

Teddy Bridgewater, Miami’s backup quarterback, is also dealing with an injury of his own. As such, the 25-year-old Thompson will be suiting up for what might the biggest game of his young professional career.

Hopefully, the pressure won’t get to his head even though he is going to match up against Joe Flacco. While the 37-year-old hasn’t played much in recent years, the Jets quarterback is still a former Super Bowl MVP.

Rooting for the Buffalo Bills

The Dolphins’ shot at making the playoffs also relies on Buffalo defending its home field on Sunday. Fortunately for Miami, the Bills have a major reason to win against the Patriots because winning would assure them of the No. 2 seed in the AFC playoffs.

In addition, Buffalo will surely be inspired after receiving encouraging news about Damar Hamlin. The safety has reportedly been able to communicate with his teammates, days after collapsing during his team’s Week 17 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals.

For Dolphins fans, they have two teams to root for on Sunday. Hopefully, both Miami and Buffalo end the day with victories.