By Kevin Perez  

As week 16 of the 2020-2021 NFL season approaches this upcoming Sunday, the Miami Dolphins stand at fifth in the AFC playoff standings.

The Dolphins have multiple scenarios — one in which they can clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2016. The simplest outline would target a win in their next game at Buffalo. 

If the Dolphins beat the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, they clinch the 5th seed in the AFC playoff picture. If the team loses, they can still get in but would need help somewhere else. The other teams in the mix for the final three playoff spots are the current owner of the 6th seed, Ravens, along with the present owner of the 7th seed, Browns, and as well the owner of the 8th seed, Colts.

In a case where the Dolphins do face defeat, either the Steelers may beat the Browns, the Bengals could have the opportunity to beat the Ravens, or the Jaguars will secure a win against the Colts. The Dolphins would not have to worry about the outcome of the other games if they do win. So at this moment, seeds 5-7 are at play for the Dolphins. 

FiveThirtyEight gives the Dolphin team a sixty percent chance of making the playoffs, the Ravens sporting a likelihood of ninety percent, the Colts a with a eighty-two percent chance, and the Browns with a seventy-two percent chance. 

In addition to currently sitting at the 5th seed, the Miami Dolphins also currently own the third pick in the NFL Draft. The reason being because they have the Houston Texan’s first round pick this year which they acquired in a trade last year that sent Laremy Tunsil to Houston. 

The Texans (4-10) play the Tennessee Titans this sunday, with a loss the Dolphins pick would remain at three for the upcoming NFL draft. 

All in all, the Dolphins control their own destiny. Win and they get in.