Are the Dolphins out of playoffs? Mike McDaniel and Co.'s path to postseason explored after Week 17 win

The Miami Dolphins won an important game for their playoff aspirations against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season. The 20-3 win allowed Mike McDaniel's team to survive for another week and have a shot at the postseason in the regular-season finale.

With Tyler Huntley playing at a high level (22 completions on 26 pass attempts, 225 passing yards and 52 rushing yards, as well as a passing and rushing touchdown), the Dolphins dominated the Browns at Huntington Bank Field to level their record at 8-8.

Following an exciting 2023 regular season, the Dolphins were expected to reach a new level of performance this year, but Tua Tagovailoa's concussion, Tyreek Hill's controversies and inconsistency, as well as not making big moves to improve the roster made things harder for the Dolphins.

Even so, they are now a combination of results away from making it to the postseason and surpassing the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals in a race that's gotten more interesting by the week.

Dolphins' playoff chances after improving to 8-8

The Miami Dolphins boasted a 2-6 record at some point this season and nobody thought they would have a chance at the playoffs, even with Tua Tagovailoa on the field. Ever since that moment, they only dropped two more games, one against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 28 and then against the Houston Texans on Dec. 15.

They are one win away from finishing the record with a positive record, but that only wouldn't be enough to take them to the playoffs. They'll clash against the New York Jets in the season finale trying to do everything in their hands to stay alive for at least one more week.

Sportskeeda's playoff predictor

According to Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor, Miami will drop their last game of the season (8-9), leaving the door open for the Denver Broncos (10-7) to punch their ticket to the 2024 NFL playoffs. The simulator has the Jets beating their AFC East rival 17-15 to ruin their plans, while the Broncos beat the Chiefs in dramatic fashion 28-26.

The Pittsburgh Steelers would beat the Cincinnati Bengals 15-14 to make the job easier for the Broncos, too.

Miami Dolphins' playoff scenario amid 8-8 record

Mike McDaniel's squad doesn't have to do much math to know whether they're through or will have to wait another season to have a better chance at the Vince Lombardi trophy. They have only one opponent standing on the way to the postseason. If they take care of the Jets and the Broncos lose to the Chiefs, Miami will be heading to the postseason again.

The Broncos, however, are in control of their fate and just a win can clinch their postseason berth. The hope that both Miami and Cincinnati have is that Denver is going against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 2024 NFL season is set to have a final week for the ages.