Dolphins playoff picture: Updated chances for Miami to make 2025 NFL postseason after Week 15 loss to Steelers originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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When the Miami Dolphins began the season 2-7, no one expected to be talking about their playoff chances in December. However, head coach Mike McDaniel rallied his team in recent weeks, and a conversation that once seemed unlikely was resparked.
After the Dolphins fired general manager Chris Grier, many believed McDaniel’s job was next. To many people’s surprise, Miami chose to stick with its coach for the remainder of the season.
Heading into Week 15, the Dolphins had won four consecutive games, including an unlikely victory over the Buffalo Bills. However, their loss to the Steelers on Monday night brought that success to a halt, and it had a drastic consequence on Miami’s postseason chances.
Here’s more on the Dolphins’ 2025-26 postseason chances after falling to the Steelers in Week 15.
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Dolphins playoff picture
Following their loss on Monday Night Football, the Dolphins have officially been eliminated from playoff contention at 6-8. Miami’s win streak kept the team alive for longer than expected, but it will not be in the AFC playoff bracket in 2025.
Even if the Dolphins had won against Pittsburgh, they would have needed help from around the league, with very low playoff chances. Now, Miami will turn its attention to the 2026 season after missing the playoffs in 2025.
Here’s the full updated AFC playoff picture, with seeds No. 10-16 now eliminated from playoff contention. The Ravens and Colts are the only non-projected-playoff teams still in the hunt.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 12-2 |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 11-3 |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 10-4 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 8-6 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 10-4 |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills | 10-4 |
| 7 | Houston Texans | 9-5 |
| 8 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-6 |
| 9 | Baltimore Ravens | 7-7 |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-8 |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | 6-8 |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | 4-10 |
| 13 | New York Jets | 3-11 |
| 14 | Cleveland Browns | 3-11 |
| 15 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-12 |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | 2-12 |
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AFC East standings
| Team | Record |
| New England Patriots | 11-2 |
| Buffalo Bills | 9-4 |
| Miami Dolphins | 6-8 |
| New York Jets | 3-10 |
The Dolphins can no longer take the AFC East against New England and Buffalo. Miami has been eliminated from postseason contention altogether, regardless of the division or wild card.
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Dolphins remaining schedule
After being eliminated from playoff contention, the Dolphins still face a tough road to finish this season.
The Bengals and Buccaneers represent two teams that are more talented than their record indicates, while the Patriots have been one of the best squads in the AFC.
Here is a look at Miami’s remaining schedule.
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | vs Bengals |
| 17 | vs Buccaneers |
| 18 | at Patriots |
