As the playoff picture unfolds, which teams care sleepers to cause problems for contenders?
Just because a team might not win the division doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous. Every year it feels like there’s a wild card club or two that plays better down the stretch, comes in hot to the playoff picture and gives a contender a run for its money.
Last season behind the likes of Derrick Henry’s running, the Tennessee Titans forced their way into a showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title. Even though Kansas City would eventually be crowned Super Bowl champs, it was a close game for the first half. Still, who had Ryan Tannehill being the guy that would take down Tom Brady and Lamar Jackson?
Teams that are playing hot right now might not be viewed as leaders in the Lombardi race, but they’re still talented. If they catch their stride at the right moment, anyone should fear them for the postseason.
Which wild card teams could cause serious playoff troubles?
1
Miami Dolphins
AFC East
Now with a quality victory over a premier team, it’s safe to say the Buffalo Bills are the leaders of the AFC East entering the second half of the season. However, anyone who hasn’t bought the stock on Miami under Brian Flores needs to before it reaches an all-time high.
A win on the road against a quality Cardinals’ roster will do wonders for Miami entering Week 10 against the Chargers. In his first real test, rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa looked the part of a franchise signal-caller, finishing with 248 passing yards, 35 rushing yards, a pair of touchdowns and zero turnovers. Meanwhile, the defense continues to float under the radar, forcing their 14th turnover of the season for a touchdown in the first quarter.
If the playoffs were to begin today, Miami would hold the seventh seed in the AFC. Who’s to say that if they can remain healthy and Tagovailoa only develops more they won’t take the division altogether? Until shown they can be slowed down, the Dolphins are no longer an “easy win” on anyone’s schedule entering the back end of the year or further.