The narrow path to the postseason for the Miami Dolphins became much narrower on Thursday evening with the 30:17 defeat against the Green Bay Packers.
Now, at 5-7 on the year, the Dolphins' only realistic chance in the playoffs is to track down and overtake at least one of four teams: the 8-3 Pittsburgh Steelers, 8-4 Baltimore Ravens, 7-1. 4 Los Angeles Chargers or 7-5 Denver Broncos. That's a climb they still believe is possible.
“I told the guys we came into the game 10-7,” Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell told reporters after the loss. “We must be convinced that our efforts will matter if we do what we are supposed to do. I think this gives us a chance. “I’ve seen some crazy things happen.”
“I wouldn't say the dream is over for our team, anything can happen in this league,” said Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
Going 10-7 would mean winning five in a row and closing out the regular season. The Dolphins' schedule still includes home games against the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers as well as away games against the Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns and Jets.