A few weeks ago, the Miami Dolphins had to be ecstatic about their place in the playoff field.

They were 8-3 and still in the AFC East title hunt. They have yet to lose a game in which Tua Tagovailoa wasn't hurt, despite a difficult two-game road trip to California.

The Dolphins must be unsure of how safe their playoff berth is less than two weeks later after losses to the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers.

There shouldn't be panic at 8-5, but the schedule isn't going to be easy. The Dolphins play at the Buffalo Bills on Saturday night and that's a tough game.

The Green Bay Packers, who they will then host, can make that game close.

After that the Dolphins are at the New England Patriots (warm weather team in the cold + Bill Belichick makes for a challenge) before hosting the New York Jets in the finale.

There is a grim possibility that the Dolphins could drop each of those contests.

There is a grim possibility that the Dolphins could drop each of those contests.