They barely have a chance. They started out the season with a 1-6 start, despite the fact that they played Green Bay, Houston, Buffalo, and the Jets earlier this year, all weaker teams. Had they won those easy games, they would be in a solid position to take at least a wildcard, if not the entire AFC East. Sports Illustrated had them going to the Super Bowl, which is being held in Miami this year by the way. Unfortunately there is little chance that there will be a hometown Super Bowl this year, as no team in the history of the NFL has ever climbed out of a 1-6 hole to get into the playoffs. Compounding problems for them is the fact that they have a very tough schedule this December, with Jacksonville, New England, and the Colts on deck, along with a winter game in Buffalo. It will be a challenge this point forward, for they need to keep up their 4 game winning streak through the next 5 games in order to have a shot at a wildcard, and even that is not a certain. 3 years ago, the Dolphins went 10-6, yet they didnt make the playoffs.

Defensively, this team has been playing solidly and continues to improve. Special teams, a major issue earlier this season is playing better now. Kicker Olindo Mare though has missed too many easy field goals that have cost them games. Perhaps its time for the team to part ways with him. Offensively, there have been some issues too. Really, Joey Harrington and his crew have won one game on their own for the 'Fins, and that was the Detroit game last week where Harrington scored three touchdowns. There hasn't been a complete team effort here. The Defense, especially veterans Jason Taylor and Zack Thomas, have stepped up to make key plays, and even major scoring runs. There aren't too many days when you see a DE make 2 touchdowns over three games like Taylor did. Its just a shame that this great defense isn't complemented by an offense that plays just as well.

In my view, all they need is a quality quarterback to take them to the next level, something they haven't been too willing to invest in since Dan Marino retired. They haven't made a single draft pick on a quarterback to groom for the future since Marinos retirement. Instead they've relied on 2nd string type free agents to manage the game. You're not going to be a 5-star team without a good quarterback and quality receivers to back them up. Chris Chambers is good, but tends to drop too many passes. A good quarterback and a solid first receiver would be a big difference maker for this defensive type team.

Daunte Culpepper at quarterback is an improvement, but I don't think it will be enough to get them into the playoffs this year. The AFC East isn't as strong as previous years, and I see the Wildcards coming out of the other divisions.