The Dolphins have the slimmest of chances to make the playoffs by the end of week 18. See, a win over the dysfunctional Jets might be enough to push them closer to the finish line. But it won’t be enough to punch that golden ticket for the playoffs. For that, they need some help from Andy Reid and Co., who still owe the Dolphins from 2020.

Back then, the Dolphins were playing under the guidance of Brian Flores. And boy, were they having a horrific season. The Dolphins were 4-11 facing off Tom Brady’s Patriots, who were crushing at 12-3. On the other hand, to get a playoff bye on their way to the Super Bowl LIV, the Chiefs needed to beat the Chargers at home and have the four-win Dolphins defeat the Patriots in Foxborough. Nobody in Kansas City really thought that the Dolphins would spring up with a win. That too on the road.

However, the Chiefs received the best news possible, thanks to their AFC rivals. New England coughed up a lead to Miami in the final seconds as Miami secured a 27-24 victory while Kansas City scored a big touchdown to put their game away. So important were the two games that legendary CBS announcer Kevin Harlan called the two games simultaneously during that pivotal moment in the fourth quarter of both games.

That result was made even sweeter as the Chiefs eventually won the Lombardi, their second ever, and first of the three in coming years. So, what did Reid do in return for the Dolphins helping them out to kick-start the Chiefs dynasty? He treated them to some delicious KC steak. “I appreciated what they did. I sent them some great Kansas City steak for doing that.” Maybe Reid feels he has already returned the favor for what the Dolphins did for them. So, as Reid said, he does not seem to be much enthusiastic about returning that favor.

When the reporters asked Reid on Friday whether he would like to help the Dolphins the same way they did 5 years ago, let’s just say Reid’s answer may not go down well in Miami: “I didn’t think of that different head coach. I like both guys, but I’m not trying to help anybody out. I’m just trying to, you know go up and do well in the game.” 

So Miami doesn’t really expect him to go with his usual starters against the Broncos. Reid has already clarified that he won’t be risking his players while trying to reach their ultimate goal of achieving the 3-peat. So now, Miami’s chances lie in the hands of the Chiefs’ backup quarterback, Carson Wentz. Looks like the same is true for their own team as well. Because ahead of the must-win Jets clash, their head coach, Mike McDaniel, had a worrisome update on his star QB Tua Tagovailoa’s availability.

Tua Tagovailoa is set to miss out week 18 clash, but there’s a catch

Just when the Dolphins needed all their star players at their disposal. Their 26-year-old QB won’t be available to help them out in their season-defining game in New York. His hip injury suffered against the Texans in week 15 when he took a head-first dive, continues to haunt Tua. Some of you could be wondering if he did play vs the 49ers in week 16 despite his hip injury. And you are right.

Tua did push himself to his limit and helped the Dolphins win 29-17 vs the Niners. However, things started to fall apart thereafter. After he was rested against the Browns to keep him fresh for week 18. Mike McDaniel, in his final update on Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, said, “I see it as unlikely that Tua will see any action.” However, there’s some good news for the Phins if they somehow manage to make the playoffs.

Top Comment by Wayneman

Now that Cincy won, if you win and Miami wins then you’re putting the Dolphins in a cold weather buffalo...more

Share your take

Debate

Tua said, “If the cards play out the way they should, and the way we know and think they can. Imma be available next week, there’s no if and or buts around. I’ll be playing.” However, for that to happen, Miami would yet again have to rely upon their backup QB Tyler Huntley. In the Dolphins’ 20-3 win over the Cleveland Browns last week, Huntley completed 22–26 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown while running the ball seven times for 52 yards and a rushing touchdown. In the four games Huntley has started in relief of Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are 2-2. For this week, here’s the question.

Will the Dolphins even manage to pull off the impossible and clinch that No.7 seed out of the Broncos’ grasp? Well, it all comes down to the Chiefs. Them stopping the Broncos in Denver would allow the Phins to sneak into the postseason. And allow the Dolphins Nation to witness Tua ball once again.