The next 6 games.

[Pappy13]

@Jets
@Colts
Titans
@Bills
Seahawks
Patriots

That shouldn't strike fear into Dolphins fans right now. Believe it or not Seattle might be the best team on the schedule over the next 6 games, no offense Hoodie, the Patriots are right there with them.

But I didn't list those games to talk about the opponents, I listed those games to remind everyone that the season rests on how Miami plays in this next 6 game stretch. Every one of those games appears winnable. Go 3-3 and the Dolphins could be looking at an 8-8 season which would be a successfull season by almost anyone's standards, but win 1 more than that and go 4-2 and a 9-7 season is conceivable. Why is that significant? Because getting to 9-7 is where Miami realistically has to get to have a shot at the playoffs. The AFC simply isn't that good right now and a 9-7 record has a very realistic shot at the playoffs.

The easiest way to win 4 of 6 is to probably win the next 4 and then not have to worry about beating NE or Seattle, but that's gonna be awfully hard to do. Miami can probably afford to lose 1 of the next 4 games and hope to split with NE and Seattle to still go 4-2, but any more than 1 loss over the next 4 games and you can probably kiss the playoffs goodbye.

The first game of that 4 game series is probably gonna be the toughest to win. Miami is simply a better team than the Colts, Titans or Bills right now in my opinion, but the Jets are something of an enigma. Just when you think they are gonna fold, they come up with a respectable performance and the Jets back is against the wall here. They need this game as much as Miami does. Miami has the bye week going for it as they seem to be as healthy as they have been all year. The Jets are trying to hold on till they can get to their bye week. They are also coming off a very difficult loss that will probably stay with them for a day or 2 before they start focusing on the Dolphins, but again just when you think they are down and out is when they seem to pull together for a tough win. You know that Ryan will roll out the "us against the world" attitude this week. I expect a close game, but if Miami can run the ball effectively, I think Miami can wear down their defense and either put points on the board to win the game or just eat the clock.

[Jim Gray]

I right there with you Pappy.  We need to come out of this stretch at 4 - 2 to have a chance to make the playoffs.  Even if we go 4 - 2, I think one of those wins must be against the Jets to give us a chance at a wildcard in the division.  I don't think we can hang with the Pats, and the Seahawks have a nasty defense that scares me far more than the Jets. 

That means we need to win the next 4 in a row, 3 of them on the road.  That is a very tall order.  I know it's too early to say that for Miami, the playoffs start this Sunday.........but maybe they do.

[bsfins]

While I ALWAYS want to the Dolphins to win,I'm torn on making the playoffs year 1 of the Philbin Era.I can see the expectations  go sky high,and make us fall into the "we need to sign a bunch of free agents" thinking by the fans,and Media.

I feel most of those games are winnable...

[MikeO]

a loss this week doesn't end the season but it does make the road tougher. Fact is the next 6 games will determine the Fins season. 4-2 is a must. If one of those 2 losses is the Jets that hurts a bit but if they go 4-2 that would be ideal.  If Miami finishes 8-8 I think that is an outstanding season anyway you look at it. Obviously you would like to do better than that but 8-8 and I dont think you can complain as a Dolphins fan this year.

[MikeO]

While I ALWAYS want to the Dolphins to win,I'm torn on making the playoffs year 1 of the Philbin Era.I can see the expectations  go sky high,and make us fall into the "we need to sign a bunch of free agents" thinking by the fans,and Media.

I feel most of those games are winnable...

The Dolphins going to the playoffs this year, even for 1 game and losing, would be valuable experience for ALL of these young players. Experience you can't teach!

[MyGodWearsAHoodie]

I think one of those wins must be against the Jets to give us a chance at a wildcard in the division. 

I started a thread with that as the theory. 

Dolphins need to go 4-2 over the 6.  And at least 2-1 within the division games in that stretch.