5 reasons the Miami Dolphins will make the playoffs without Ryan Tannehill

With quarterback Ryan Tannehill still possibly out for at least the rest of the regular season, here are five ways the Miami Dolphins can make the playoffs.

The Miami Dolphins escaped with a 26-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, and they’ve now won seven of their last eight games to put themselves in the thick of the AFC playoff race at 8-5.

But quarterback Ryan Tannehill was injured on a low hit during the third quarter on Sunday, and it was initially feared he suffered a torn left ACL. Some clarity came on Monday, with ESPN’s James Walker reporting Tannehill sprained the ACL and MCL in his knee. That makes a return this season possible, particularly for the playoffs with a reported second opinion to come on Tuesday, but the Dolphins obviously have to make it that far first.

The Dolphins may need to win out to earn a playoff spot, and winning two of their remaining three games looks absolutely mandatory to make that happen. With Tannehill at least in line to be out for the rest of the regular season, here are five reasons the Dolphins will make the playoffs.

5. Opportunistic Defense

The Dolphins’ defense has not been particularly stinging scoring-wise, but they have forced multiple turnovers in five of their last six games.

Upcoming games against the New York Jets (Week 15) and Buffalo Bills (Week 16), with Bryce Petty and Tyrod Taylor under center respectively, should put Miami’s defense in line to take advantage of multiple mistakes. Taylor’s security as Buffalo’s starting quarterback is hardly secure right now, and the replacement options (E.J. Manuel and Cardale Jones) are not impressive.

The Dolphins will need more from their defense now, and going into the next two games the unit will be in line to succeed.