I rarely post here, but Ive been coming to Phinsider for news and thoughts from fellow fin fans since this past off season. Just thought Id share my own thoughts on our playoff chances, but if you havnt already, you should read Matty's mid season review on how far we have come and how we should realize the differences between a realistic and overly optimistic biased view of this team. Trust me, Im a guy with the Dolphins logo tattooed on my arm, my inner fan in me tells me the Dolphins can and will every game that they play. But being realistic sometimes helps us not get our hopes up, admitting to where we really are, and being positive for how far the team has come and how great the future can be.

Now the next 3 games? Tampa Bay, Carolina, and Buffalo. Not really sure why everyone thinks these are all automatic wins.

Tampa Bay just beat a good Green Bay team and probably has a lot more confidence after finally getting their 1st win. Sure the Dolphins should win this game, but i dont think fans should get upset if the fins struggle at times during the game. 

Carolina has looked pretty good the last few weeks tearing apart Arizona on the road and coming up close against the Saints. If the Dolphins stop their run game and put decent pressure on Delhomme they should probably win this game with TOP and consistent ground attack.

Buffalo just can't seem to score points, so if the Dolphins can hold the ball most of the game and avoid Jarius Bryd from somehow getting another INT, they should pull this one off.

I have a feeling those 3 games are going to be very similar to the 49er's, Seahawks, and Raiders games last year. Consider that 2 of these games are on the road, so they will be a challenge.

The Dolphins may be lining themselves up in a perfect situation if the Patriots lose to the colts and the saints. That sunday night game will be huge if the dolphins do in fact win these first 3 games coming up. However, look at the remaining schedule assuming the Dolphins and Patriots are tied 7-5.  The Patriots host Carolina, @ Buffalo, host JAC, and @ Houston. The Dolphins are @ JAC, @ TEN, host Houston, host PItt. Sorry if its just me, but I feel the Dolphins have the tougher remaining 4 games. Better start rooting for the Steelers to secure their divison before that game, but they still may come out strong trying to battle for a top seed. Houston is going to play a huge factor in the Dolphins playoffs hopes. Houston may be fighting for a final wildcard spot, so they may be able to take care of the patriots at home. The Dolphins are going to have to play their A game against Houstons big play offense.

Its pretty clear the Dolphins can only afford to lose one more game from this final stretch, and it cannot be against the patriots. Lets see how we take care of these upcoming 3 games and see where the patriots are going into that possibly HUGE sunday night game. Which games do you guys think will be the toughest challenges and do you think the dolphins can possibly finish 10-6?