Dolphins' Playoff Hopes Officially Extinguished After MNF Loss to Steelers
Back in early November, the idea of the Miami Dolphins making a playoff push would’ve sounded like wishful thinking. They were 2-7, reeling, and the season looked all but lost.
But in true NFL fashion-where momentum can flip like a coin-Miami found a spark. Four straight wins, including a gritty upset over the Bills, had them back in the conversation.
Now, just as quickly as the hope returned, it’s gone again.
After Monday night’s loss to the Steelers, the Dolphins’ playoff chase came to an abrupt end. At 6-8, Miami has officially been eliminated from postseason contention. The win streak gave fans a reason to believe, but the math has finally caught up with them.
A Wild Ride That Fell Short
Let’s rewind for a moment. When the Dolphins fired longtime GM Chris Grier midseason, many assumed head coach Mike McDaniel might be next.
Instead, Miami doubled down on McDaniel, and for a few weeks, that decision looked like a stroke of genius. The team responded with urgency and energy, stringing together wins and clawing their way back into the playoff picture.
But the margin for error was razor-thin. Even with a win over Pittsburgh, Miami would’ve needed a series of favorable results across the AFC just to stay alive. The loss on Monday night took that already-slim chance and shut the door completely.
Where the Dolphins Stand Now
At 6-8, the Dolphins are tied with the Chiefs, but both teams are now out of the playoff hunt. It's an especially tough pill to swallow considering how close Miami came to turning their season around. But the numbers don’t lie, and the AFC playoff picture is simply too crowded with 10-win teams to leave room for a late-charging underdog.
Here’s how the AFC playoff race is shaping up:
AFC Playoff Standings (Top 9 Teams)
1.
Denver Broncos (12-2)
2.
New England Patriots (11-3)
3.
Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4)
4.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
5.
Los Angeles Chargers (10-4)
6.
Buffalo Bills (10-4)
7.
Houston Texans (9-5)
8.
Indianapolis Colts (8-6)
9.
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
Eliminated from Playoff Contention (Seeds 10-16):
10.
Kansas City Chiefs (6-8)
11.
Miami Dolphins (6-8)
12.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
13.
New York Jets (3-11)
14.
Cleveland Browns (3-11)
15.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
16.
Tennessee Titans (2-12)
With the Dolphins officially out, the AFC East is now a two-team race between the Patriots and Bills. Miami won’t factor into the division or wild card picture, and their focus now shifts to evaluating talent and building momentum for next season.
What’s Left for Miami
Even with the playoffs off the table, the Dolphins still have three games left-and they won’t be easy. Up next are the Bengals and Buccaneers, two teams whose records don’t fully reflect the talent on their rosters. Miami closes out the season against the Patriots, a team that’s been among the AFC’s best all year.
For McDaniel and his staff, these final weeks are about more than just playing out the string. It’s a chance to assess young talent, test schemes, and build a foundation for what comes next. The postseason dream may be over, but the work continues.
Because in this league, the turnaround can start the moment the clock hits zero. Just ask the team that went from 2-7 to the brink of relevance.