The Miami Dolphins might have avoided some of the worst fates suffered by franchises in the 21st century. However, that doesn’t mean the team doesn’t have one massive monkey on its back.

The last time the Dolphins won a playoff game was in the opening year of the century. If the Dolphins were to win a playoff game this year, it would be the first time since before the original Xbox was released.

There’s a realistic chance of this happening in 2024. Here’s a look at why.

1. The Buffalo Bills’ decline increases chances to get home playoff game

The Buffalo Bills have ruled the AFC East for the last half-decade. However, cracks in the armor are showing.

Josh Allen is on a statistical decline, and after losing Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, the division appears to be up for grabs.

The Dolphins and Jets might be the front-runners for the division this year. With the Dolphins having much better health at quarterback, they appear to have a higher chance of winning it.

Winning the division makes it much easier to win in the playoffs. This is because home playoff games are awarded to division winners, regardless of their record. As such, a win in the division magnificently increases the odds of winning in the playoffs.

2. Motivated Tyreek Hill

Tyreek Hill is angling for a new contract. At age 30, this might be his last big bite of the apple. So, if he doesn’t get a new contract this off-season, he’ll take it as reason to play even harder than he did last year.

In 2023, Hill led the league in receiving yards, so an even more motivated wide receiver could set the Dolphins up beautifully in the playoffs.

Miami has yet to see Hill and Tua Tagovailoa play a playoff game in a non-ice-storm game, so getting the two in the playoffs under normal circumstances could result in a playoff win.

With Hill motivated, it could guarantee a postseason victory, no matter the opponent.

3. Tua Tagovailoa’s back against wall in highest pressure moment since 2018

At this point, the Dolphins quarterback has plenty of reasons to believe that his team is toying with the idea of moving on from him. To end that thought process before it begins, Tagovailoa has to deliver in the playoffs this year. The quarterback’s rookie deal expires at the end of the season. If he wants to avoid getting kicked to the free agent market or a franchise tag kerfuffle, he has to deliver.

The pressure of the moment might make him elevate to a level fans have not seen before. That, in combination with a greater level of maturity, could pay dividends.

In other words, it is do or die for the Dolphins quarterback. When he last faced a similar moment in the Alabama National Championship game, he delivered. This stress might be on a similar level.

Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.