What Dolphins-Jets means for AFC standings in Week 18
The Dolphins face the Jets in the Meadowlands on Sunday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture.
Game updates: Even before Miami’s loss to the Jets, the Dolphins were eliminated when the Broncos smoked the Chiefs backups. Either outcome would have sent Miami packing.
The Miami Dolphins face a difficult road to the 2025 NFL Playoffs entering Week 18. They will face the woeful New York Jets at the Meadowlands, but Miami will likely be without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. He was announced as doubtful on Friday and Tyler Huntley is expected to start in his place. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. ET and Miami is a 1.5-point underdog at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Dolphins playoff picture
The Dolphins are 8-8 and sitting in ninth place in the AFC standings. If they lose to the Jets, they will be eliminated from playoff contention.
If they win, they would climb into eighth place due to having the better conference compared to the 9-8 Cincinnati Bengals. However, to move into seventh place and thus the final playoff spot, the Dolphins need help from the Denver Broncos. The Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs to close out the regular season. Denver is a double-digit favorite due to the Chiefs having clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC and deciding to sit several starters, including Patrick Mahomes.
Tiebreaker implications
A win clinches the conference record tiebreaker for the Dolphins over the Bengals and the Broncos.