The Miami Dolphins face a critical juncture as they seek a playoff spot in the competitive AFC landscape. As of December 14, 2025, the Dolphins must rely on external factors, requiring at least two of five contenders to stumble in the closing weeks of the regular season. Unfortunately for Miami, their playoff aspirations dimmed significantly when four rival teams won their respective games earlier in the day.
The Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers all celebrated their 10th victories, while the Houston Texans improved their record to 9-5. If Miami can secure victories in their remaining games, they could finish the season with a 10-7 record, but tiebreakers with both the Jaguars and the Chargers would put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
The stakes are high for the Dolphins as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday night; a loss would officially eliminate them from postseason contention.
For the Dolphins to keep their dreams alive, they must achieve the following scenario:
– Secure wins in all remaining games against the Steelers, Bengals, Buccaneers, and Patriots.
– Additionally, they need at least two of the following three teams to falter: the Jaguars, Bills, or Chargers.
In this crucial phase of the season, the Dolphins must focus not only on winning their own games but also on hoping for favorable outcomes for their playoff rivals. Amid the pressure, the team can draw motivation from their competitive spirit and the possibility of overcoming these challenges.