Don’t
look now but it seems like the Miami Dolphins have crept back into the playoff
conversation. Thanksgiving Day is when
we tend to reminisce about all that we are thankful for, such as our families,
friends, successes & riches in life.
Everyone indulges in whatever their traditional feasts may be. These banquets usually feature turkey, maybe
stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, cranberry sauce, plus an additional
magnitude of other side dishes. This is
the annual tradition for an immense population of the U.S. Also, per tradition the NFL broadcasts two
games you can always count on being able to watch. This has been a staple of the November North
American holiday since 1934 when the Detroit Lions began this folklore when
they hosted the Chicago Bears. (The NFL has been playing games on Thanksgiving
since they were established in 1920, though the Lions were not featured until 1934). The Dallas Cowboys became added to this holiday's
football heritage over thirty years later in 1966. Later, in a surprising twist, the league again
decided to put an additional game on the Thanksgiving Day slate (2006). The third game, which airs in the Primetime slot,
is unlike the two-afternoon fixtures, featuring two different teams every year.
MIAMI DOLPHINS-
After an execrable start to the
season for the Miami Dolphins, starting 1-3 due to Tua’s fourth concussion, then
they had lost two straight even after Tua’s return; thus, finding themselves
all but out of the mix for postseason play holding a 2-6 record. However, this season is far from over, and
the Dolphins are not quite yet eliminated from playoff contention. Most people are not focusing on this Miami
team, whether because of how awful they looked without Tua or because most of
us thought he should/would call it a career.
Either way, they are quietly on a roll, winners of their last three consecutive
games which makes this Thanksgiving Day primetime game an intriguing one, thus
yet another reason for NFL fans to be thankful.
Upon looking over the Dolphins' remaining list of games, I wouldn’t exactly
say they have an easy path to making the playoffs, although the Ravens beating
the Chargers on Monday Night paired with the Chargers' gauntlet of challenges
ahead certainly ameliorates Miami’s chances of reaching the postseason. Now I don’t want to get ahead of myself, they
still must beat the Packers first. After
that, they will play host to Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, then a game at NRG
Stadium for a contest against the Houston Texans. If they can find a way to beat both the
Packers and Texans, I think they can go on a minimum of a six-game winning streak
while taking down the Jets in between. In
my opinion, I’m planning on the Dolphins' last three games of the season to be
what determines if they will be playing football after January 5th
(week 18).
GREEN BAY PACKERS-
Green Bay should feel pretty good
about themselves sitting at 8-3, currently placed as the number 6 seed
in the NFC playoff picture. The Packers
presently hold a 91% probability of making the postseason barring anything wild
happens over their last six games this season.
Mike LaFleur’s team comes into this classic holiday finale producing the
5th most yards per game (381.9).
Jordan Love has taken a step back this season though they are only one
spot outside the top ten in passing (230.3 ypg). This offense has been relying more on the run
game this season after striking gold in the offseason with the signing of veteran
running back Josh Jacobs. Jacobs is 3rd
in rushing (944 yards) only trailing Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry putting
him in great company. That is only half
the story for this team as they are also playing very well on defense. They aren’t exactly a top-tier defensive unit
but as of late, they have been coming along nicely on that side of the ball. They rank 11th against the pass (206.5
ypg), 12th in run defense (112.7 ypg), while only allowing 319.3
total yards per game (11th). Along
with the recent improvements they’ve made in terms of the yardage they’re allowing. They
have also been getting better in scoring defense, permitting a 10th-best 20.3 points
a week. Safe to say that the Packers
will hold their fates for their playoff hopes.
Sure, they can move up or down in the ceding, but this team should certainly
be a key team in the postseason. After
this game with the Dolphins, their last five will come against three tougher
teams such as their rival teams, the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings. They will also meet the Seahawks, which could
be a bit tougher than expected after Seattle’s recent two-game win streak. Two of their last three should be wins as
they will host the Saints in week 16 plus another home game in week 18 in their
last division game of the regular season against the Chicago Bears.
Lastly, as forementioned, the Dolphins'
situation is still a bit of a tricky one going forward for them to get into the
playoffs. They will need to continue winning
by any means possible but at the same time will need some help. The only team that could seemingly lose
enough games purely by strength of schedule, looks to be the Los Angeles
Chargers. I don’t foresee either the
Baltimore Ravens or Denver Broncos falling apart down the stretch with easier games
left on their schedules. The only other
team that could factor into this scenario would be the Pittsburgh Steelers still
having to play four divisional opponents, plus the Eagles in week 15 along with
a brutal game slated for Christmas Day against the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City
Chiefs. I think the underdog (+3.5)
Dolphins may come away with a victory in Green Bay to keep their playoff aspirations
alive for at least one more week.
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