NFL
What do the Miami Dolphins need to qualify for the 2025 NFL playoffs?
As we head into the 18th and final game of the NFL regular season, all eyes are on the key games that will define the playoffs in the AFC and NFC.
The race for the 2024-2025 NFL postseason is red-hot as everything comes down to this final week. The teams still in the hunt will give their all to secure a playoff spot.
So far, twelve teams have already punched their ticket to the postseason – five earning direct qualification and seven through the Wild Card round (six from the AFC and six from the NFC). These teams are the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, and Los Angeles Rams.
The Miami Dolphins (8-8) defeated the Cleveland Browns 20-3 in Week 17 but now must rely on other results to advance to the postseason in Week 18. Their only path to the playoffs is through the Wild Card, as the Buffalo Bills have already clinched the AFC East title.
Heading into Week 18, the potential playoff matchups are as follows:
- (1) Kansas City Chiefs | Bye as the top seed in the AFC
- (7) Denver Broncos vs Buffalo Bills (2)
- (6) Los Angeles Chargers vs Baltimore Ravens (3)
- (5) Pittsburgh Steelers vs Houston Texans (4)
What do the Miami Dolphins need to qualify for the 2025 NFL playoffs?
The Dolphins still have a mathematical chance to qualify for the NFL postseason, but there is only one remaining playoff spot in the AFC, contested by three teams: the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.
To secure the final spot, the Dolphins need two things to happen:
- A win against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
- A loss for the Denver Broncos to the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High.
If the Dolphins lose, they will be eliminated. Additionally, if all three teams competing for the last AFC spot lose, the Denver Broncos will clinch the playoff berth.
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