Miami Dolphins maintain on to playoff hopes – Axios

The Miami Dolphins have gone from main the AFC East to clinging to an opportunity to clinch the playoffs after dropping their final two video games.

What’s occurring: The Dolphins (8-5), sitting second of their division, would simply barely make the playoffs if the season ended as we speak.

Sure, however: Miami has 4 video games remaining, and it is not a simple highway forward.

• Three of the groups they’re going to face — the Payments, Jets and Patriots — have a profitable file.

Why it issues: After years of disappointment, Dolphins followers have been optimistic about this 12 months’s workforce — with a brand new head coach, rising-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and new offensive weapons.

• However after a 5-game profitable streak slammed to a halt, that pleasure has became concern that Tagovailoa and the offense are dropping steam.

By the numbers: Tagovailoa had the worst recreation of his profession on Sunday, when Miami misplaced to the Chargers 17-23. The quarterback accomplished simply 35.7% of his passes for 145 yards, a profession low.

Flashback: The Fins have not made the playoffs since 2016 and have not gained a playoff recreation since 2000.

What we’re watching: Per Chris Perkins of the Sun-Sentinel, the Fins most likely have to win two of their final 4 to make the playoffs.

• The Fins have a 73% probability of clinching, in response to FiveThirtyEight. (In late November, it was 90%.)
• Miami’s subsequent matchup is Saturday on the highway towards the AFC East-leading Payments (10-3) in what could be a snow game.