Dolphins playoff scenario: What does Miami need heading into Week 14?

The Miami Dolphins had a terrible start to the season. The Mike McDaniel-coached team went through two different streaks of three consecutive losses, and their historic offense of last season was nowhere to be found. Their early-season struggles now leave them with a 5-7 record heading into Week 14.

Let's examine the Dolphins ' playoff chances ahead of their crucial Week 14 game against the New York Jets.

Dolphins playoff scenario: What does Miami need heading into Week 14?

What do the Miami Dolphins need to make the playoffs?

The Miami Dolphins are in a tricky position heading into Week 14. The Dolphins might be second in their division, but they're a staggering five games behind division leaders, the Buffalo Bills. Hence, there's next to zero chance of the Dolphins entering the playoffs as AFC East champs.

According to the Sportskeeda playoff predictor, the Miami Dolphins will end the season with a 6-11 record. That'll mean the Dolphins will miss the playoffs and have a top-10 pick in next year's draft.

Miami Dolphins playoff chances in Week 14

The Dolphins have a very slim chance of making the playoffs in the AFC East. Even if they win all their games, the Bills need just one win to secure the top seed in the division. That means the only way the Dolphins can make the playoffs is by earning a wildcard spot.

However, the Sportskeeda playoff predictor has the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos as the three AFC wildcard teams. All of the wildcard teams are projected to finish with nine wins, and it's difficult to see the Dolphins fill the quota, especially with the run of fixtures until the end of the season.

Miami Dolphins face-off against the New York Jets in Week 14

The Miami Dolphins have a date against the New York Jets in Week 14 of the ongoing regular season. This will be the first of their meetings, as they still have a date in the last game week of the regular season.

The Miami Dolphins are favorites heading into the game, especially with all the dysfunction in the Jets camp. Tua Tagovailoa and his eclectic group of offensive stars should have a field day against a Jets team that has fallen well below preseason expectations.

The matchup will take place at the Hard Rock Stadium by 1 p.m. EST. It'll feature a battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Aaron Rodgers, Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams, and numerous Pro Bowlers on underperforming AFC East teams.