Can Dolphins really finish season on 9-game win streak? Saints, MNF next challenge
No NFL team has appeared on "Monday Night Football" more than the Miami Dolphins.
And no Dolphins game this season has been bigger than the one they'll play against the Saints at the Superdome, before a national audience, this Monday.
"Super cool," Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said of the grand stage.
"Nothing really else is on TV," rookie receiver Jaylen Waddle said. "Big game."
"Primetime football, that's what it's all about," receiver Albert Wilson said. "Everyone is watching."
In order to complete an unlikely and unprecedented run from 1-7 to the NFL playoffs, the Dolphins must win their final three games, to finish 10-7.
Losses by the Patriots, Chargers, Ravens and Steelers on Sunday increase the odds to 100 percent that the Dolphins would make the NFL Playoffs with a 3-0 finish, according to fivethirtyeight.com.
Win (out) and they’re
Yes, that would be a nine-game win streak. Is it really possible? We'll take a deeper look into that in a moment.
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Entering the weekend, there were 10 teams within one game of each other in the AFC standings. What does Dolphins coach Brian Flores think will separate those contenders?
"Execution," Flores said. "Mental toughness. Mental toughness and physical toughness. I think those are the things that it takes to finish strong in the season. There are a lot of good teams."
Overcoming obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic will be one factor. The Dolphins overcame the absence of Waddle and fellow rookie standout Jevon Holland in a defeat of the Jets last week.
The Saints were dealt a blow when starting quarterback Taysom Hill and backup quarterback Trevor Siemian each went on the NFL's COVID-19 list, setting the stage for rookie Ian Book of Notre Dame to make his first start against the Dolphins.
"They still have 10 other guys on the field that can play," Dolphins linebacker Calvin Munson said. "Obviously Book, he is in the NFL for a reason so he can play."
In order to beat the Saints, the Dolphins will need Tagovailoa to perform better than he did against the Jets. And Miami will need its slowly-improving offensive line to hold up against a stellar New Orleans defensive front.
Dolphins players have made it a point this week to consistently repeat messaging they've repeatedly heard from coaches.
Focus on one practice. One play. One game. Focus on technique and execution. Focus on the next opponent.
"This game is the biggest game of the year because it’s the next game," defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said.
While that is obviously true, The Palm Beach Post is not restricted by any one-day-at-a-time mantras. So let's take a look into each of Miami's next three opponents, taking into consideration COVID-19 positives could change the dynamic of any contest.
What's ahead for Miami? Could the Dolphins really pull this off?
at New Orleans Saints (Mon, 8:15 p.m.)
What the Saints do best: New Orleans is very hard to run against. And its defense is very good once the opponent gets into the red zone. The Dolphins have tried to run it more in recent weeks. Maybe they don't bother on Monday.
What the Saints do worst: New Orleans tries to run, but doesn't gain many yards per attempt. The Saints are also weak in third-down offense. The Dolphins should be able to bottle up Alvin Kamara. Miami's defense should hold New Orleans to 17 points or less.
Most dangerous Saints players: WR Deonte Harris (suspended), WR Michael Thomas (injured), RB Alvin Kamara, DE Marcus Davenport, DE Cameron Jordan.
Potential Problem: Dolphins offensive tackles Liam Eichenberg and Jesse Davis against standout sack artists Davenport (shoulder injury) and Jordan.
Good news, Miami: The Saints top two offensive tackles, Ryan Ramczyk and Terron Armstead, have injured knees. The Dolphins lead the NFL in sacks since Week 9.
Oddsmakers think: Miami opened the week as 3.5-point underdog, according to Tipico, but are now slight favorites after a Saints COVID outbreak.
at Tennessee Titans (Sun, Jan. 2, 1 p.m.)
What the Titans do best: The Titans have been able to hold onto the ball for long possessions, almost as long as anyone in the NFL. Even though Derrick Henry (foot) is out, Tennessee will still attempt to control it with a running back committee of three.
What the Titans do worst: In addition to some spotty special teams, Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill has thrown way too many interceptions and has been sacked way too many times. Tannehill has an uphill battle to attain redemption against his former team.
Most dangerous Titans players: RB Derrick Henry (injured), WR A.J. Brown, WR Julio Jones, S Kevin Byard, DL Jeffery Simmons.
Potential Problem: Simmons against youngsters Liam Eichenberg and Austin Jackson are matchups to watch. The Titans also have two ball-hawking safeties, Byard and Amani Hooker.
Good news, Miami: The Dolphins should be able to get after Tannehill by attacking left guard, right guard and right tackle. There are good matchups for Christian Wilkins, Adam Butler, Zach Sieler and Raekwon Davis.
Oddsmakers think: The Dolphins are about a 3.5 point underdog, in early odds postings.
New England (Sun, Jan. 9, 1 p.m.)
What the Patriots do best: The Patriots have one of the best defenses in the NFL. They are very difficult to pass against. And they dominate defensively on third downs and in the red zone.
What the Patriots do worst: You can run it on the Patriots. And rookie quarterback Mac Jones has not yet been proficient in the red zone on offense.
Most dangerous Patriots players: RB Damien Harris, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry, CB J.C. Jackson, Edge Matthew Judon.
Potential Problem: The Patriots secondary is elite. If the entire season hinges on Tua's left arm, how would he respond? As for the Dolphins defense, the combination of athletic Patriots tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith is problematic.
Good news, Miami: Tagovailoa and Brian Flores are 2-0 against Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Miami has won 6 of 8 at Hard Rock Stadium against that team from up north.
Oddsmakers think: The Dolphins beat the Patriots on the road 17-16 in the opener, as a 3.5 point underdog. But that was Mac Jones' first start. At this point, the Dolphins project as a slight home underdog to New England.
Monday's game
Dolphins at Saints
8:15 p.m., ESPN
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Here's what stands between Dolphins and 9-game win streak, playoffs
