The mentality of a young, rising team like the Miami Dolphins is clear — one day at a time. And while you aren’t likely to hear any players on Brian Flores’ squad talk about the possibility of the postseason, a playoff appearance shouldn’t be considered too far out of the realm of possibility for the Dolphins.
Why?
The Dolphins seem to have the right pieces — they appear to have the right coach, they’re a vastly improved roster from top to bottom and they possess a 4th-place schedule in 2020.
With the AFC East as open as it has ever been, it wouldn’t take much overachieving from the Dolphins to contend for a playoff spot. Add in the fact that the NFL has added an additional playoff spot for each conference this season and there’s some reason for optimism. If you’re feeling lucky and are buying the Dolphins as a playoff contender, you can find some pretty good bets to cash in on — including one from Bovada that has the Dolphins at +350 to qualify for the postseason.
Will the @MiamiDolphins make the playoffs?
Yes ➡️ +350
No ➡️ -550🏈 lines —> https://t.co/fRkCuvKRRS#NFL #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/kLxrwzH5td
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) June 11, 2020
What does the pathway look like? The Dolphins ought to consider 9 wins the goal for a legit shot at the postseason. The team will have winnable games against New York (twice), Cincinnati, Jacksonville in the conference. Add in a cross-country trip for the Los Angeles Chargers and the Dolphins have a clear path to claim 5 wins there if they’re able to execute and perform to their standard. If the team can claim season splits with both of the “top” contenders in the East (Buffalo and New England), Miami’s potential win total sits at 7 — with a home game against the Rams and road games in bottom half of the league teams last year in the Raiders and Cardinals still left among the remaining opponents.
There’s your path to 9 wins. If the Dolphins can pull that off this season, perhaps it’s time to get in on the action!