The Dolphins are a game back of the Broncos for the final playoff berth. We break down how they can clinch a spot in the 2025 NFL Playoffs in Week 18.
The Miami Dolphins head into the final day of the 2024-25 NFL regular season with a chance to secure a playoff berth. The Dolphins face the New York Jets in the Meadowlands, with kickoff set for 4:25 p.m. ET. Miami is a 1.5-point underdog at FanDuel Sportsbook due to the likely absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Miami Dolphins playoff berth clinching scenarios
The Dolphins are 8-8 and sitting in ninth place in the AFC standings. The Cincinnati Bengals are 9-8, but Miami is a half-game ahead of them in the conference tiebreaker. If the Dolphins beat the Jets, they would improve to 9-8 and move ahead of the Bengals by virtue of that tiebreaker. However, the Dolphins need help on Sunday along with their own win.
The Denver Broncos are 9-7 and sitting a full game up in the standings. The Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs and if the Dolphins win and the Broncos lose, Miami would claim the final wild card berth. The big downside for the Dolphins is that the Chiefs have nothing to play for, having already secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They are starting Carson Wentz and will sit quite a few starters beyond just Patrick Mahomes. Denver is a 10.5-point home favorite.
AFC standings entering Week 18 Sunday
1. z-Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) – clinched No. 1 seed
2. y-Buffalo Bills (13-3) – clinched No. 2 seed
3. y-Baltimore Ravens (12-5) – clinched No. 3 seed
4. y-Houston Texans (9-7) – clinched No. 4 seed
5. x-Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
6. x-Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
8. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8, 6-6 AFC)
9. Miami Dolphins (8-8, 6-5 AFC)
