Influence vs. Action

This is one of these games this week that has a lot of influence on other teams’ playoff placements. If the Dolphins win, they keep their playoff hopes alive, with a Broncos loss. If the Dolphins lose, they are out of the race, leaving the spot up for the Broncos or Bengals. The Bengals need to win, and have the Jets and Broncos lose, whereas the Broncos just need to win or have the Jets and Bengals lose for them to get into the playoffs. Lots going on in this game. For the Jets here, there motivation is trying to keep their division rivals out of the playoffs, and a win here this week would accomplish that. The future of the Jets may be up in the air between Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and their next head coach, but this game is more than achievable for this team. Play the game, win the game, and carry on with the next chapter in your football life. Knocking out a division rival will feel good, I promise.

 For the Dolphins however, they are going lightspeed down a closing tunnel. They need to win and the Broncos to lose to get in. I like their odds this week but never discredit a division opponent. The Dolphins got the better of the Jets last game, but it took an overtime to beat them, and I don’t imagine this game will be that much different. Both teams are going to be competing, trying to win like both of their seasons depend on it. Only one of them does, but both will be playing like it this week. I actually think I like the Jets here, just slightly, but I beat the dead horse again by saying, “it’s a toss-up.” I don’t think the Dolphins make the playoffs though.