Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) picks up a first down on the Dolphins final drive that lead to a game-winning field goal against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Dec. 24, 2023.
The Miami Dolphins came out of the gate strong in the 2023 season. Their 70-point outing against the Denver Broncos early in the season turned heads. With a creative offense and an improved defense, the Dolphins have looked good all season. They have faded a little down the stretch due to poor execution and key injuries. Here is the Miami Dolphins playoff preview.
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Miami Dolphins Playoff Preview
In the final game of the season, the Dolphins had a chance to lock up the AFC East with a win versus Buffalo. They lost and got the sixth seed. This could prove incredibly significant. A win would have guaranteed them a couple of home playoff games in Miami. Instead, they have to head to Kansas City where the current forecast predicts sub-zero temperatures. Injuries were the main issue for the team down the stretch. Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, and many more have all been injured with many key defensive pieces being lost for the season. They now stumble into the playoffs hoping to catch fire for the next three games.
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Miami Dolphins Playoff Preview: Why They Will Win
The offense is the unit that will carry this team to victory. If Waddle can come back, the combination of him and Tyreek Hill is devastating. Tua Tagovailoa has a great rapport with his two receivers and no one can match Hill’s speed. Raheem Mostert has also been one of the best running backs this season. The playoffs often come down to who can run the ball most effectively. Mostert allows the Dolphins to do just that. Defensively, Jalen Ramsey is still an elite player and Vic Fangio will give opponents everything they can handle. This team can score quickly on big plays which means they cannot be counted out.
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Miami Dolphins Playoff Preview: Why They Won’t Win
The Dolphins are 1-5 against teams that are above .500 this year. They have feasted on the bottom feeders of the league but in the biggest games, they cannot come out with a victory. The injuries on defense have been major. Their two sack leaders are gone for the season and the unit doesn’t look the same. There is a chance that they get carved up easily by a good offense and even their high-octane offense cannot keep up. Having to play on the road for the entirety of the playoffs isn’t great either and could doom the Dolphins.
Playoff X-Factor
Miami Dolphins playoff preview X-factor: Eli Apple
Star cornerback Xavien Howard has been injured and, at the writing of this article, is doubtful to play. With other secondary pieces being injured, it is likely that Apple is going to be called upon to play a big role. Apple has a history of being picked on by opposing offenses. If he can catch fire and shut down at least one part of the offense, it will help the depleted defensive line immensely. Ramsey is elite and there is no question of his abilities. If Howard is out, they need someone else to step up and I believe that has to be Apple.
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The Miami Dolphins are not instilling confidence in fans going into the playoffs. However, all it takes is for one team to get hot in a one-and-done playoff format. If the Dolphins offense can find its groove, this team will be a tough out.
