ONE More Look At How Miami Controls Destiny PLUS Week 16 Clinching Scenario

I don't understand why people, and networks, and "experts," can't seem to grasp this concept.

It was brought to my attention last night that ESPN still doesn't quite understand it. Then, just moments ago, Pete Prisco of CBS sports uttered this exact phrase:

"I think they win out, but I don't know if they get in."

What?  WHAT?

Everybody, say it with me, "If Miami wins out, they ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS."

It doesn't matter what Baltimore does.  It doesn't matter what Cincinnati does.  Say it again:

"If Miami wins out, they ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS."

Please, feel free to try to prove me wrong.  Here's the link:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs/machine 

Try any combination you'd like, it won't matter.  Say it again:

"If Miami wins out, they ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS."

I don't quite understand why it's so hard for people to understand this.  I really don't. Here it is, as simple as I can possibly make it for you.

If Miami wins out, they'll be 10-6.

Now, there is NO POSSIBLE WAY that both Cincinnati and Baltimore can win out because they play each other in week 17.

So, based on that, if Miami and Baltimore BOTH win out, then the Ravens win the AFC North, and Miami takes the final wild card spot.

If Miami and Cincinnati BOTH win out, then the Bengals win the North and the Dolphins take the final wild card spot.

Oh Zach, what happens if Miami wins Sunday but Baltimore and Cincinnati both lose?

Well, then the Dolphins wouldn't have to worry about week 17, because they would then clinch the final wild card spot.  That final game between Baltimore and Cincinnati would basically serve as an elimination game, with the winner hosting the Dolphins the following week.

There you go.  That's it.  Pretty simple.  Pretty straightforward.

And don't mention the word "tie" to me, because it wouldn't have any impact at all.


EVEN if the Bengals and Ravens tie in the season-finale, after winning games this week, the Dolphins still qualify based on winning percentage if they win out.

The winning percentage for 10-6 is .625.

The winning percentage for 9-6-1 is .593


Say it one more time, folks:

"If Miami wins out, they ARE IN THE PLAYOFFS."