Steelers Playoff Chances Take Hit with Dolphins Injuries

Steelers Dolphins
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Several Dolphins injuries will hurt the Steelers’ playoff hopes as they look for help from the Dolphins over the Buffalo Bills. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running back Raheem Mostert are expected to miss the game, according to Tom Pelissero. That is already in addition to cornerback Xavien Howard and edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Waddle is dealing with a high ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Mostert has multiple injuries. Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa are both banged-up as well. All of that lends itself to a battered Dolphins team facing an extremely talented Bills team. But this one of two key matchups the Steelers playoff hopes hinge on.

The Steelers will advance with a win and a Buffalo Bills loss to the Miami Dolphins, and both of those teams will have plenty to play for. The winner of the Bills and Dolphins game will claim the AFC East title and home-field advantage in the first two rounds of the playoffs. The loser faces a first-round road trip to Kansas City — talk about a big swing in their Super Bowl fortune.

Chubb has a torn ACL that will knock him out for the season. Meanwhile, Howard has a foot injury that is likely to sideline him for a significant period of time. All of that come together to create a tough road for them to defeat the Bills.

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE

1. Baltimore Ravens 13-4
2. Miami Dolphins 11-5
3. Kansas City Chiefs 10-6
4. Jacksonville Jaguars 9-7
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5. Cleveland Browns 11-5
6. Buffalo Bills 10-6
7. Houston Texans 10-7
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8. Pittsburgh Steelers 19-7
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9. Indianapolis Colts 9-8
10. Denver Broncos 8-8
11. Cincinnati Bengals 8-8
12. Las Vegas Raiders 7-9
13. New York Jets 6-10
14. Tennessee Titans 5-11
15. Los Angeles Chargers 5-11
16. New England Patriots 4-12

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