Dolphins Look To Keep Playoffs Possible As They Host 49ers

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – There’s no getting by the elephant in the room – Miami is on the ropes as far as a chance at the playoffs. However, the Miami Dolphins will look to keep it somewhat manageable when they host the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday at 4 pm.

Many people have already thrown the Dolphins’ chances at the playoffs out of the window. That’s slightly justified, as they haven’t proven much these last few weeks. Their loss to Houston didn’t do them any favors, as they still have yet to beat a team with a winning record this season. You can’t even blame the cold for that one, either.

The Million Dollar Scenario

Regardless, here’s the most likely of six scenarios that need to happen for Miami to sneak into the Wild Card.

The 9-6 Denver Broncos need to lose their remaining two games. They play Cincinnati and Kansas City. They’ve come a long way since the 70-20 blowout to Miami last season.

The 6-8 Indianapolis Colts need to lose one of their last three games. They play Tennessee, the New York Giants, and Jacksonville. They hold a tiebreaker over Miami thanks to beating them earlier this season.

The 6-8 Miami Dolphins need to win out. They take on San Francisco this Sunday, Cleveland, and the New York Jets. At least none of these teams have a winning record, right?

Lonely In The Lone Star

Miami’s loss to the Texans can be pinned on a few things, but Tua Tagovailoa had a bad game. Stats aside, throwing three interceptions in a game is an almost impossible hole to dig out of. Add a fumble on top of that, and the offense gave Houston more than enough chances to capitalize.

HAWKED TUA 🦅#ProBowlVote + @CalenBullock

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/fchpXLU9jl

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 15, 2024

However, the Dolphins defense was solid, limiting Houston to 10 points scored off of turnovers and 10 points otherwise. For an offense as high-powered as Miami when everything’s clicking, setting the bar at 20 is very solid.

Both running attacks were almost a nonfactor – good for Miami’s defense, frustrating to watch for their offense. Receiving-wise, Tyreek Hill may have also had a bad game, not being able to pull balls thrown at him. Almost every time he was matched up with Derek Stingley Jr, he lost those battles.

If Hill wasn’t working, then Jaylen Waddle would have been a nice substitute. Unfortunately, his early injury in this game left Miami without one of their best. Most people don’t realize how much Waddle brings to this team until you lose him in a game.

Glass Bones And Paper Skin

The San Francisco 49ers are kind of a mess right now. With a 6-8 record, it’s hard to believe that this team was in the Super Bowl last season. Their best win of the season was a nail-biter against Tampa Bay, but they’ve racked up losses to Minnesota, the Los Angeles Rams (twice), Arizona, Kansas City, Seattle, Green Bay, and Buffalo.

Injuries have plagued this team worse than any other team in the NFL. Call it a Madden curse if you want, but losing Christian McCaffrey has destroyed an offense reliant on complimentary football.

On defense, Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, and Robert Beal Jr are all questionable to play in this game due to injury. Offensive tackle Trent Williams is confirmed out, so expect pressure on whoever the replacement is from Miami’s defense.

Isaac Gruenndo, San Fran’s third-string running back, is also out of this upcoming game with an injury. He was currently #1 in the depth chart. With him and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk out, the 49ers have had to dig deep into their practice squad, resulting in a no-name roster hoping for a breakout player.

After losing RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell to season-ending injuries, it now looks as if the 49ers will be without RB Isaac Guerendo for Sunday’s game vs. Miami. Guerendo is dealing with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play, per source. pic.twitter.com/PyqyBCqPoT

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 19, 2024

Brock Purdy has at least played the majority of the season, only missing one game. He’s had a decent season with 3,174 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His main target has to be George Kittle, arguably the best tight end in the NFC. Jauan Jennings and Deebo Samuel highlight a solid wide receiver unit that has made it this far.

On defense, Fred Warner is the heartbeat of the unit and one of the best linebackers in the league. With 106 tackles, two interceptions, and four forced fumbles, he impacts almost every snap. The 49ers give up 298.8 yards per game, the third-least in the NFL.

Final Thoughts

This matchup could go either way. It’s pretty even right now, even with all the 49ers players that won’t play in this game. Yes, they’re missing a lot of what made their team so good last season, but they still have superstars available.

Miami knows that any loss moving forward will spell doom for their playoff hopes. Especially because they’re at home, I’m expecting a fired-up Fins squad. Tua has historically done well following a bad game, so hopefully that continues.

MIAMI – 27

SAN FRANCISCO – 17