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 has rallied his team in recent weeks, and a conversation that once seemed unlikely has begun.
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.
Now, heading into Week 15, the Dolphins have won four consecutive games, including an unlikely victory over the Buffalo Bills. Tua Tagovailoa has continued to struggle, and that hasn’t changed despite Miami’s recent success. However, receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back De’Von Achane have been playing some of the best football of their careers.
Though the future remains unclear for several players and coaches due to the disastrous start, the Dolphins are not eliminated from postseason contention. In Week 15, they’ll head to Pittsburgh for a matchup on Monday Night Football.
Here’s more on the Dolphins’ 2025-26 postseason chances heading into Week 15.
MORE WEEK 15 NFL:
Dolphins playoff picture
As it stands heading into Monday Night Football, Miami is on the bubble with the No. 11 seed in the AFC. This is mainly because the Dolphins started the season by losing seven games and winning only two.
Even after their remarkable turnaround, in which Miami won four straight, Next Gen Stats gives them less than a 1 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Not only do the Dolphins need to essentially win out, but they also need help from around the league. When you're fighting for a playoff spot, it's always better to control your own destiny.
Here is how the AFC playoff picture looks heading into Week 15. The first four seeds are the division leaders.
| Rank | Team | Record |
| 1 | Denver Broncos | 11-2 |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 11-2 |
| 3 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 9-4 |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7-6 |
| 5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 9-4 |
| 6 | Buffalo Bills | 9-4 |
| 7 | Houston Texans | 8-5 |
| 8 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-5 |
| 9 | Baltimore Ravens | 6-7 |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6-7 |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | 6-7 |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | 4-9 |
| 13 | New York Jets | 3-10 |
| 14 | Cleveland Browns | 3-10 |
| 15 | Las Vegas Raiders | 2-11 |
| 16 | Tennessee Titans | 2-11 |
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture after Week 14 results
AFC East standings
| Team | Record |
| New England Patriots | 11-2 |
| Buffalo Bills | 9-4 |
| Miami Dolphins | 6-7 |
| New York Jets | 3-10 |
The Dolphins have little to no chance of winning the AFC East against New England and Buffalo. Their best shot at the postseason is catching the Houston Texans, who are two games ahead of Miami.
MORE: Meet Tua Tagovailoa's family and learn more about his Hawaiian roots
Dolphins remaining schedule
There's no other way to say it: the Dolphins face a tough road to finish this season. It is required of them to win out if they want a chance at the playoffs, and if they do with these opponents, they certainly deserve it.
Don't let the Cincinnati Bengals' record fool you; they recently got quarterback Joe Burrow back and have looked much improved. Anytime you have to face the duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, your secondary is in for a long game.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have struggled immensely down the stretch, but they are anything but a pushover game. Then, to end this campaign, the Dolphins will travel to Gillette Stadium to face the 11-2 New England Patriots.
Here is a look at Miami's remaining schedule.
| Week | Opponent |
| 16 | vs Bengals |
| 17 | vs Buccaneers |
| 18 | at Patriots |