Struggling Dolphins, Browns Flexed Out of Week 17 SNF Slot
The Miami Dolphins have all but been eliminated from playoff contention after losing to the Houston Texans on Sunday, and the team would need a miracle and a few teams to lose the remainder of their games for them to secure a playoff spot. The Cleveland Browns are also not playoff-bound and have sadly regressed in a big way since their playoff run in 2023.
More news: Chiefs Officially Diagnose Patrick Mahomes’ Injury, Reveal Potential Missed Time
Due to both teams seemingly not playing for a future in January, the planned Sunday Night Football primetime game between the Dolphins and Browns has been flexed out of its spot in Week 17.
Instead of the country tuning into a primetime showdown between two non-playoff teams, the NFL has chosen to replace it with the Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders.
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
The Dolphins are currently 6-8 on the season, and have a seven percent chance to make the playoffs. Though they are not mathematically eliminated yet, they would need the Los Angeles Chargers, Indianapolis Colts, or Denver Broncos to lose their remaining games for a chance at the postseason.
The issue is the Broncos have nine wins. They would presumably only need one more win to lock in a wildcard spot. The Chargers are 8-6 and another loss could put them in danger of missing a wildcard spot, but they are a solid team.
The Colts are also 6-8 but are taking on the Broncos on Sunday. The Dolphins would need both the Colts and Broncos to lose, which is impossible.
For the Falcons and Commanders, things are far more interesting. Washington is currently 9-5 and in the No. 7 seed spot for the playoffs. There are a wealth of teams angling to jump into playoff contention.
One such team is the Falcons, who are 7-7 and in the No. 9 seed. Much like the Dolphins, Atlanta would need the Commanders, Los Angeles Rams, or Seattle Seahawks to have an end-of-season collapse to see their postseason dreams happen.
More news: Raiders Coach Antonio Pierce Goes on NSFW Tirade After 10th Straight Loss
It is easy to understand why the NFL chose to flex in the Falcons vs. Commanders game, simply because both teams are facing some heavy playoff implications with a win or loss. The Dolphins might beat the Browns, but they will need a lot of help to see their playoff percentage chances rise.
For now, Miami has lost one of its primetime slots. They might lose even more if they somehow lose to the even-lowlier Browns in Week 17.
For more on the Dolphins, head to Newsweek Sports.
