Are the Dolphins destined to make the playoffs this upcoming season? There is no denying that the team is close. Whether or not Miami punches their ticket to the postseason is going to be determined by avoiding a slow start to the season and the ability to replicate the strong finish of 2020 (9-3 over the final 12 games). At least one major outlet believes: NFL.com has the Dolphins projected as the 6-seed in the postseason as things currently stand. Cynthia Frelund’s model has Miami good for 10 wins once again in 2020:
“The Dolphins will square off with the Jags in London in Week 6, then face the Falcons at home in Week 7 without taking a bye in between. Meanwhile, the Falcons, who play the Jets in London in Week 5, will get a break in Week 6 before heading to Miami in Week 7. This is more of an interesting note than a predictive factor, however, because the Dolphins have a good roster and could become a great team if they are provided with difference-making QB play by Tua Tagovailoa. Plus, having a bye later in the season (Week 14) will be better in the long run for a potential playoff contender.” — Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com
The full projection for the AFC Conference according to Frelund?
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Buffalo Bills
- Baltimore Ravens
- Indianapolis Colts
- Cleveland Browns
- Miami Dolphins
- Tennessee Titans
With the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers just missing the postseason while also being projected to win 9 games on the season. The AFC Playoff race will assuredly be tight, as indicated by two teams with winning records missing the action according to Frelund’s projections.
But after the Dolphins missed out on the fun last year, one can only hope that the football gods will be more kind with Miami’s final fate this time around.
Such a forecast would have Miami traveling to play Baltimore in the first round of the playoffs in January — a team that has routinely given the Dolphins fits in recent years. But the matchup in Week 10 on Thursday Night Football will be a great chance for the Dolphins to change the script against Baltimore and prove that the Ravens are no longer head and shoulders ahead of these Dolphins.